A lesson for those trying to circumvent the immigration laws…

Brazilian woman convicted of visa fraud conspiracy involving more than 1,000 illegal workers

 

ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal jury found a Brazilian woman residing in Orlando guilty of alien smuggling and conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and worker visa fraud on Monday, following an investigation that began with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Rafaela Dutra Toro, 30, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. She was indicted on Jan. 26. Her sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

“The individuals involved in this case orchestrated a very large and very complex visa fraud ring. They took jobs away from U.S. citizens and others who are legally allowed to work in this country by knowingly employing people who were not authorized to work in the United States,” said Susan McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI in Tampa. “Through cases like this one, HSI is helping to protect our economy and preserve job opportunities from being lost due to fraud.”

Toro is a citizen of Brazil and will be subject to removal from the United States after serving her sentence.

According to evidence presented at trial, Toro worked for VR Services, a large temporary labor staffing company based in Orlando, which supplied temporary labor to numerous businesses in the hotel and hospitality industries throughout Florida and the United States. The scheme allowed Toro and her co-conspirators to set up a permanent foreign labor pool that hired illegal alien workers across the United States in jobs that would normally have been filled by United States citizens. As part of the conspiracy, Toro and her co-conspirators submitted false documentation to the government and manipulated the H-2B foreign worker visa process. They also submitted fake hotel contract agreements to conceal their activities and falsely reported that U.S. workers had been hired when they had not.

To further the conspiracy, they falsely claimed that no payments had been collected from the alien workers, when in fact the workers had actually paid between $350 to $750 each, to be placed on the fraudulent H-2B visa petitions. Through their complex visa fraud and alien smuggling activities, Toro and her co-conspirators supplied foreign workers to more than 100 hotels and allowed more than 1,000 foreign workers to enter and remain in the United States illegally using fraudulently obtained H-2B employment-based visas. An H-2B visa is granted to certain qualified foreign workers seeking temporary employment in the United States.

Four co-conspirators previously pled guilty for their roles in this conspiracy. Wilson and Valeria Barbugli were sentenced in October 2010 to 18 months and 24 months in federal prison, respectively. Their son, Eduardo Dozzi Barbugli, was sentenced in December 2010 to 20 months in federal prison. A fourth co-conspirator, Jose Maria Meza Diaz, will be sentenced later this month.

This case was jointly investigated by the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates investigations into fraudulent immigration documents. The task force includes ICE HSI; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Fraud Detection and National Security.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie E. Gorman.

Information provided above is for educational purposes only.  One should not act or refrain to act solely based on the information provided.  You should consult an attorney to assess your case before proceeding.

Shah Peerally is an attorney licensed in California practicing immigration law and debt settlement. He has featured as an expert legal analyst for many TV networks such as NDTV, Times Now and Sitarree TV.  Articles about Shah Peerally and his work have appeared on newspapers such as San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, US Fiji Times, Mauritius Le Quotidien, Movers & Shakers and other prominent international newspapers. His work has been commended by Congress women Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.  He has a weekly radio show on KLOK 1170AM and frequently participates in legal clinics in churches, temples and mosques. His law group, Shah Peerally Law Group, has represented clients all over the United States constantly dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Custom Enforcement(ICE) and CBP (Customs Border Patrol (CBP) under  the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  This department was formerly known as the Immigration and Nationality Services (INS).

For updates follow us on Radio, Facebook, Twitter ,LinkedIn and Youtube

Listen to the Shah Peerally Law Live Show  every Monday from 12pm to 1pm and Friday 12pm to 1am - KLOK 1170AM

We have serve the community with dedication and compassion

Attorney Shah Peerally also deals in debt settlement. For more information call us on 510.742.5887 and visit us on www.YourDebtSettlementAttorney.com

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An Amazing recommendation for Shah Peerally Law Group PC

First of all many thanks to Mr Shah Peerally and his team of dedicated staff for working on my National Interest Waiver (NIW)immigration process for those with advanced degrees, leading upto the our family obtaining green cards. He brought about a total turnaround in our fortunes from a very precarious situation prior to meeting him.

Prior to consulting Shah immigration law associates I had approached different immigration attorneys who were either pessimistic or incapable of handling the case and were only content to follow through a lengthy process which is not required for professional advanced degree holders like me. This costed me several years of hardship and disappointment and frustration so much so that at one point my employer did not have enough funds to continue the company and that had affected my immigration situation when I had onle few weeks to continue in USA. As a Godsend I approached Mr Shah who heard of my case patiently and lot of care and within five minutes said that with my professional experience I did not have to waste so many years to get the green card and he confidently said he could handle my case and assured me of smoother  passage citing specific reasons of previously judged immigration situations. He was very reasonabe in charging for the entire green card process.  At that time he instantly came out to me as the Attorney who is very knowledgeable with great command in Immigration Law, Very down to Earth person, very understanding of the hurdles/difficulties the potential immigrants  undergo. He assures a sincere, honest and professional help and follows through in letter and spirit and he charged very reasonably for the entire immigration process and support.  Within a few weeks of beginning our EB-2 NIW process we obtained work permits and within few weeks I had landed in a big corporate with an job position and finally we obtained our Green Cards which is the Ultimate Joy for those seeking Permanent Residence in USA. All this was possible with God’s Grace and part of that God’s Grace is for me to be able to take my case to Shah Peerally. I sincerely, honestly and confidently suggest Shah Peerally Law Group PC as the Go To Immigration Law Office for any immigration help as it is headed by a Very Competent, Kind, Rational, Reasonable and Deserving People need Deserving Attorneys and Mr Shah Peerally is one among them.

Ravi C.

Important: The testimonials or endorsements on this website do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Each case is different and success in one case does not warrant or guarantee success in other similar cases or situations. For more information call us on 510 742 5887.

Information provided above is for educational purposes only.  One should not act or refrain to act solely based on the information provided.  You should consult an attorney to assess your case before proceeding.

Shah Peerally is an attorney licensed in California practicing immigration law and debt settlement. He has featured as an expert legal analyst for many TV networks such as NDTV, Times Now and Sitarree TV.  Articles about Shah Peerally and his work have appeared on newspapers such as San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, US Fiji Times, Mauritius Le Quotidien, Movers & Shakers and other prominent international newspapers. His work has been commended by Congress women Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.  He has a weekly radio show on KLOK 1170AM and frequently participates in legal clinics in churches, temples and mosques. His law group, Shah Peerally Law Group, has represented clients all over the United States constantly dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Custom Enforcement(ICE) and CBP (Customs Border Patrol (CBP) under  the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  This department was formerly known as the Immigration and Nationality Services (INS).

For updates follow us on Radio, Facebook, Twitter ,LinkedIn and Youtube

Listen to the Shah Peerally Law Live Show  every Monday from 12pm to 1pm and Friday 12pm to 1am - KLOK 1170AM

We have serve the community with dedication and compassion

Attorney Shah Peerally also deals in debt settlement. For more information call us on 510.742.5887 and visit us on www.YourDebtSettlementAttorney.com

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Congratulations to Hasan Abdullah, Esq. for publication of his article on the magazine AskExperts

Hasan Abdullah, Esq - article published on ASKExperts

Information provided above is for educational purposes only.  One should not act or refrain to act solely based on the information provided.  You should consult an attorney to assess your case before proceeding.

Shah Peerally is an attorney licensed in California practicing immigration law and debt settlement. He has featured as an expert legal analyst for many TV networks such as NDTV, Times Now and Sitarree TV.  Articles about Shah Peerally and his work have appeared on newspapers such as San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, US Fiji Times, Mauritius Le Quotidien, Movers & Shakers and other prominent international newspapers. His work has been commended by Congress women Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.  He has a weekly radio show on KLOK 1170AM and frequently participates in legal clinics in churches, temples and mosques. His law group, Shah Peerally Law Group, has represented clients all over the United States constantly dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Custom Enforcement(ICE) and CBP (Customs Border Patrol (CBP) under  the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  This department was formerly known as the Immigration and Nationality Services (INS).

For updates follow us on Radio, Facebook, Twitter ,LinkedIn and Youtube

Listen to the Shah Peerally Law Live Show  every Monday from 12pm to 1pm and Friday 12pm to 1am - KLOK 1170AM

We have serve the community with dedication and compassion

Attorney Shah Peerally also deals in debt settlement. For more information call us on 510.742.5887 and visit us on www.YourDebtSettlementAttorney.com

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Lawsuits Filed Against Department of Homeland Security Seek Greater Transparency

Lawsuits Filed Against Department of Homeland Security Seek Greater Transparency
American Immigration Council Seeks Disclosure of Records Regarding Access to Counsel

November 9, 2011

Washington, D.C.—The American Immigration Council’s Legal Action Center (LAC) this week filed twolawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to compel the release of records relating to noncitizens’ access to counsel before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The LAC pursued disclosure of these records, as well as records from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed last March.  To date, USCIS has failed to turn over any documents, and CBP has turned over only a few excerpts from its practice manuals.  ICE has informed the LAC that it conducted a search for records, but that it is “unable to locate or identify any responsive records.”  The LAC has filed an administrative appeal of ICE’s determination and will pursue litigation if necessary.

These FOIA requests were prompted by the results of a survey conducted by the LAC and the American Immigration Lawyers Association that revealed widespread restrictions on access to counsel before USCIS, ICE and CBP.  Such limitations include bars on attorney presence at CBP inspections, limitations on the ability to consult with attorneys in ICE detention facilities and during questioning by ICE, and restrictions on attorneys’ ability to participate in interviews before USCIS.  The survey also highlighted significant variations in policies and practices in DHS offices throughout the country.

The LAC has long advocated for the right to counsel in immigration settings, including meaningful access to an attorney.  The LAC currently is pursuing administrative reforms to secure improved access to counsel in all DHS proceedings.  The information sought through our FOIA requests will assist in this work and in advising immigration lawyers regarding how best to safeguard their clients’ right to counsel.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is co-counsel with the LAC on these FOIA cases.

###

For more information contact Brian Yourish at byourish@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7516.


The Legal Action Center strives to increase the accountability of government agencies that administer the immigration laws and to ensure these laws are interpreted and implemented in a way that honors fundamental constitutional and human rights. The LAC engages in impact litigation, including appearing as amicus curiae (friend of the court) before administrative tribunals and federal courts in significant immigration cases on targeted legal issues, and has long worked to protect the right to counsel for noncitizens facing removal from the United States.


Information provided above is for educational purposes only.  One should not act or refrain to act solely based on the information provided.  You should consult an attorney to assess your case before proceeding.

Shah Peerally is an attorney licensed in California practicing immigration law and debt settlement. He has featured as an expert legal analyst for many TV networks such as NDTV, Times Now and Sitarree TV.  Articles about Shah Peerally and his work have appeared on newspapers such as San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, US Fiji Times, Mauritius Le Quotidien, Movers & Shakers and other prominent international newspapers. His work has been commended by Congress women Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.  He has a weekly radio show on KLOK 1170AM and frequently participates in legal clinics in churches, temples and mosques. His law group, Shah Peerally Law Group, has represented clients all over the United States constantly dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Custom Enforcement(ICE) and CBP (Customs Border Patrol (CBP) under  the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  This department was formerly known as the Immigration and Nationality Services (INS).

For updates follow us on Radio, Facebook, Twitter ,LinkedIn and Youtube

Listen to the Shah Peerally Law Live Show  every Monday from 12pm to 1pm and Friday 12pm to 1am - KLOK 1170AM

We have serve the community with dedication and compassion

Attorney Shah Peerally also deals in debt settlement. For more information call us on 510.742.5887 and visit us on www.YourDebtSettlementAttorney.com

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Another great news from the Shah Peerally Law Group PC!

In 2007  we filed a labor certification for client, client’s case was audited and denied. We appealed the case, in 2011, the DOL reversed their decision and certified the labor. Client was on EB2 and we filed an adjustment of status in mid 2011.  USCIS sent a Notice of intent to deny (NOID) based on a weak argument. We fought the case.  Today client wrote to us stating she received the approval notice for his green card and his family’s green card. Congratulations to our client, Shah Peerally Law Firm, AttorneyHasan Abdullah and Attorney Shah Nawaaz Peerally - for more information on immigration law check www.peerallylaw.com. Client was from the Philippines.

Information provided above is for educational purposes only.  One should not act or refrain to act solely based on the information provided.  You should consult an attorney to assess your case before proceeding.

Shah Peerally is an attorney licensed in California practicing immigration law and debt settlement. He has featured as an expert legal analyst for many TV networks such as NDTV, Times Now and Sitarree TV.  Articles about Shah Peerally and his work have appeared on newspapers such as San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, US Fiji Times, Mauritius Le Quotidien, Movers & Shakers and other prominent international newspapers. His work has been commended by Congress women Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.  He has a weekly radio show on KLOK 1170AM and frequently participates in legal clinics in churches, temples and mosques. His law group, Shah Peerally Law Group, has represented clients all over the United States constantly dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Custom Enforcement(ICE) and CBP (Customs Border Patrol (CBP) under  the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  This department was formerly known as the Immigration and Nationality Services (INS).

For updates follow us on Radio, Facebook, Twitter ,LinkedIn and Youtube

Listen to the Shah Peerally Law Live Show  every Monday from 12pm to 1pm and Friday 12pm to 1am - KLOK 1170AM

We have serve the community with dedication and compassion

Attorney Shah Peerally also deals in debt settlement. For more information call us on 510.742.5887 and visit us on www.YourDebtSettlementAttorney.com

Share

L – 1 V I S A A P P R O V A L S D E C L I N E S I G N I F I C A N T L Y A T U . S . P O S T S I N I N D I A I N 2 0 1 1

The number of L-1 visas issued at U.S. posts in India declined by 28 percent from 2010 to 2011, according to data obtained from the U.S. Department of State by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP). The official data from the State Department show that L-1 visa approvals went from 35,896 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 to
25,898 in FY 2011, a drop of approximately 10,000 visas. At the same time that L-1 visas issued in India declined by 28 percent, L-1 visas issued in the rest of the world rose by 15 percent, according to State Department data.
This shows an enormous gap in visas issued as well as, it must be assumed, approval/denial rates between posts in India and the rest of the world, raising policy  questions as to whether this great disparity is the result of a
conscious policy at U.S. posts in India. This confirms what many observers have believed: an increase in denials over the past 12 to 18 months is making it far more difficult for employers to transfer employees based in India
into the United States on L-1 visas. Employers say  this is having a negative impact on growth, projects, and product development in the United States.
L1_Visa_Approvals_In_India_Decline_in_2011_NFAP_Policy_Brief_Nov2011

Information provided above is for educational purposes only.  One should not act or refrain to act solely based on the information provided.  You should consult an attorney to assess your case before proceeding.

Shah Peerally is an attorney licensed in California practicing immigration law and debt settlement. He has featured as an expert legal analyst for many TV networks such as NDTV, Times Now and Sitarree TV.  Articles about Shah Peerally and his work have appeared on newspapers such as San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, US Fiji Times, Mauritius Le Quotidien, Movers & Shakers and other prominent international newspapers. His work has been commended by Congress women Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.  He has a weekly radio show on KLOK 1170AM and frequently participates in legal clinics in churches, temples and mosques. His law group, Shah Peerally Law Group, has represented clients all over the United States constantly dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Custom Enforcement(ICE) and CBP (Customs Border Patrol (CBP) under  the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  This department was formerly known as the Immigration and Nationality Services (INS).

For updates follow us on Radio, Facebook, Twitter ,LinkedIn and Youtube

Listen to the Shah Peerally Law Live Show  every Monday from 12pm to 1pm and Friday 12pm to 1am - KLOK 1170AM

We have serve the community with dedication and compassion

Attorney Shah Peerally also deals in debt settlement. For more information call us on 510.742.5887 and visit us on www.YourDebtSettlementAttorney.com

Share