Immigration Document Fraud Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Defense
Immigration document fraud is a serious federal crime prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. If you are under investigation or charged in Bergen County, you need an experienced immigration document fraud lawyer Bergen County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against charges like false statements on applications, counterfeit visas, and fraudulent immigration documents.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | Bergen County Court Website
Immigration document fraud involves knowingly making false statements or using counterfeit documents to obtain immigration benefits. This is prosecuted under federal law, primarily 18 U.S.C. § 1546, which covers fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. Charges can stem from false information on I-485 or I-130 forms, using fake Social Security cards, or presenting forged passports. The consequences are severe, including prison time, fines, and deportation. An immigration document fraud lawyer Bergen County from our firm can challenge the government’s evidence and protect your rights.
Federal Charges for Fraudulent Immigration Documents
The primary statute for immigration document fraud is 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a). This law makes it a crime to knowingly forge, counterfeit, alter, or falsely make any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, permit, border crossing card, alien registration receipt card, or other document prescribed by immigration laws. It also criminalizes using, attempting to use, possessing, obtaining, accepting, or receiving any such fraudulent document. Prosecutions for these offenses are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, often following investigations by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Common scenarios skilled to charges include:
- Using a counterfeit green card or employment authorization document (EAD).
- Submitting an I-9 form with false information or fraudulent documents.
- Presenting a forged passport or visa to gain entry or employment.
- Making false statements on asylum applications or refugee petitions.
- Conspiring to produce or distribute fraudulent immigration documents.
You can review the official federal statute at the U.S. Code (18 U.S.C. § 1546). For local court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for New Jersey website.
If you are under investigation, do not speak to agents without an attorney. Contact a visa fraud defense lawyer Bergen County as early as possible. The federal process involves several key stages:
- Investigation: HSI or other federal agents gather evidence, which may include searches, subpoenas, and interviews.
- Grand Jury: A federal grand jury in Newark may review evidence and issue an indictment.
- Arraignment: You will appear in U.S. District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved by plea agreement. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which can include prison and deportation.
Potential Penalties for Immigration Document Fraud
In federal court, immigration document fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1546 can result in up to 10 years in prison for general fraud, and up to 15 years if the fraud is committed to facilitate a drug trafficking crime or for commercial advantage.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Immigration Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud/Misuse of Visas & Permits (18 U.S.C. § 1546) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (15 if tied to drug trafficking) | Up to $250,000 | Certain deportation; permanent bar from future benefits | Asset forfeiture, restitution, supervised release |
| False Statements on Immigration Application (18 U.S.C. § 1001) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Deportation; visa ineligibility | Criminal record, loss of immigration status |
| Aggravated Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A) | Federal Felony (Mandatory Consecutive) | 2 years mandatory, consecutive to other sentences | – | Deportation | Severe enhancement to overall sentence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Immigration Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal cases. Our team understands the high stakes of immigration fraud charges, which threaten both your liberty and your ability to remain in the United States. We approach each case with a detailed strategy, examining the government’s evidence for weaknesses, such as lack of intent or improper search and seizure. We have a record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious federal allegations.
Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While every case is unique, our systematic approach to defense provides a significant advantage.
Local Bergen County Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We represent clients at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark. Federal immigration fraud cases move quickly. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Immigration Document Fraud Charges
What is immigration document fraud?
It is a federal crime involving the use, creation, or presentation of false documents (like visas, green cards, or passports) to obtain immigration benefits, or making false statements on immigration forms, prosecuted under laws like 18 U.S.C. § 1546.
What should I do if ICE or HSI agents want to question me?
Do not answer questions. Politely state you wish to speak with an attorney. Contact a fraudulent immigration documents lawyer Bergen County as early as possible. Anything you say can be used against you in a federal criminal case and removal proceedings.
Can I be deported for immigration document fraud?
Yes. A conviction for most immigration fraud crimes is a deportable offense under the Immigration and Nationality Act and can trigger a permanent bar from obtaining legal status in the future.
What are common defenses to these charges?
Defenses may include lack of knowledge (you did not know the document was fake), entrapment, insufficient evidence, or challenging the legality of how the evidence was obtained (Fourth Amendment violations). An experienced immigration document fraud lawyer Bergen County can identify the best strategy.
Is a plea bargain possible in federal immigration fraud cases?
It depends. The U.S. Attorney’s Office may offer a plea to a lesser charge, especially if the evidence has weaknesses or you provide substantial assistance. A visa fraud defense lawyer Bergen County can negotiate to potentially avoid the most severe penalties and minimize immigration consequences.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Bergen County for related state charges, or an immigration lawyer in Bergen County for removal defense, our firm can assist. For broader federal defense, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page. We also help clients in nearby areas like Morris County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on immigration document fraud charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Immigration Document Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Immigration Document Fraud Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.