NEWARK ICE AGENTS SEIZE $5.7 MILLION & LUXURY VEHICLES IN MASSIVE BENEFITS FRAUD INVESTIGATION
01/13/2006 – NEWARK, N.J. — A foreign citizen living in New Jersey is in federal custody and agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have seized $5,724,592 in assets from the suspect’s bank and brokerage accounts in a massive immigration benefits fraud investigation. Narendra Mandalapa has been charged with Fraud and Misuse of Visas, violations of 18 USC Section 1546. The charges were filed in United States District Court in Newark. Mandalapa is currently in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. During the investigation, ICE agents discovered that Mandalapa filed nearly 1,000 possibly fraudulent labor-based petitions on behalf of Indian and Pakistani nationals seeking to enter or remain in the United States. The petitions were for skilled computer workers. Both U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and ICE continue to investigate those aliens who received the fraudulent immigration benefits. Investigators are also working to determine how many people fraudulently entered the country and how many already in the United States may have received fraudulent labor benefits. This investigation is a product of a joint anti-fraud initiative undertaken by ICE, USCIS and the Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General. The investigation began when a special fraud detection unit of USCIS uncovered a pattern of fraud in petitions for immigration benefits submitted by Mandalapa through one of his companies. The USCIS Fraud Detection Unit in St. Albans, Vermont, referred their analysis to the ICE Benefit Fraud Unit (IBFU), also based in Vermont. The IBFU then coordinated with ICE Special Agent in Charge in Newark to begin the field investigation that resulted in the arrest and asset seizure. Investigators uncovered two shell companies in New Jersey owned by Mandalapa were created solely for the purpose of filing fraudulent labor-based petitions for foreign workers. During the investigation agents armed with search warrants seized computers and documents from the corporate address of Cybersoftec, Inc. Agents believe that at least $2.1 million dollars came from fees paid by individuals seeking fraudulent benefits. Since the accounts were used to hide those illegal profits the government seized all money in the accounts. The assets seized come from four bank accounts in Edison, N.J., and two brokerage accounts in New York City. Also included in the seizures were a Mercedes SUV and a Lexus sedan with a combine value of $100,000. Acting Newark Special Agent in Charge Thomas E. Manifase said, “Immigration benefit fraud is a multi billion dollar business and can not be tolerated. This type of fraud not only steals jobs from legitimate workers but it also provides individuals to illegally enter the United States and creates a risk to national security and public safety.” Manifase pointed out that the investigation is an outstanding example of how two agencies in the Department of Homeland Security cooperate to uncover and dismantle an organization dedicated to undermining the legal immigration system and making huge profits. Jennifer L. Mickey, Chief of the USCIS Fraud Detection Unit said, “Individuals who used fraud to obtain immigration benefits are breaking the law. We take very seriously our responsibility to protect the integrity of our immigration system by combating benefit fraud.” The USCIS Fraud Detection Unit, co-located at the USCIS Vermont Service Center, is a branch of the national USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Unit.
US Department of Homeland Security & US Immigration and Customs Enforcement – DETENTION OPERATIONS MANUAL
The Office of Detention and Removal (DRO) is a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DRO secures bed space in detention facilities, and monitors these
facilities for compliance with national Detention Standards. The
standards specify the living conditions appropriate for detainees.
These standards have been collated and published in the Detention Operations Manual (see below). This Manual provides uniform policies and procedures concerning the treatment of individuals detained by ICE.
Employment for F-1 Students On and Off Campus – FAQ
Employment For F-1 Students On and Off Campus – Via ICE
F-1 Student Employment On-Campus
1. Basic Guidelines
2. Approval Process
3. Work Hours
F-1 Student Employment Off-Campus
1. Basic Guidelines
2. Application Process
3. Work Hours And Period Of Work Authorization
SEVIS Training & Fact Sheets For Schools, Programs and DSOs
Schools and Programs – Via ICE
Release 5.1 Training Slides
Release 5.1 Training Slides – F/M Users (PDF)
Release 5.1 – 5.2 Training Slides – J Users (PDF)
Emergency Information
SEVIS Tips for Emergency Evacuations
Technical Information For Users
How Do I Get a Temporary Password for SEVIS?
Technical Guidance and SEVIS User Manuals
SEVIS Technical Notices and Current Updates
Web-based Training Course for School Officials
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is pleased to launch
the web-based training course entitled “SEVIS Training for School
Officials. ” This training will provide instruction to you on your
responsibilities and those of the foreign students in meeting their
obligations in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
. The course will assist newly Designated School Officials who need
additional guidance on completing various actions required to update
and maintain student information in SEVIS, it will also serve as a
useful resource tool for the veteran school officials. Enjoy the
Course!
Privacy Impact Assessment
The availability of information is made all the easier today due to
the Internet, technological changes in computers, digitized networks,
and the creation of new information products. The E-Government Act of
2002 recognized that these advances also have important ramifications
for the protection of personal information contained in government
records and systems. The Act mandates an assessment of the privacy
impact of any new or substantially revised Information Technology
System. The document that results from these mandated assessments is
called a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA).
In addition, the Privacy Act of 1974 requires Federal agencies to
explain in a system of records notice the types of personally
identifiable information that they will collect, use and maintain. A
system of records notice also informs the public of the reason for
collecting the information, how it will be safeguarded and how it will
be used for agency purposes.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program has recently published both
a Privacy Impact Assessment and a System of Records Notice for the
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and both are
now available for review on our website.
SEVIS Privacy Impact Assessment (PDF)
Privacy Act of 1974 (SORN) (PDF)
SEVIS Publications
Notices
How To File The I-17 Peition To Be Approved To Enroll Nonimigrant Students (F Or M Visa) (PDF) 10/25/2005
Notice of the System of Records Notice (SORN) (PDF) 4/8/2005
How To Prepare For A Site Visit (PDF) 11/2/2005
SEVIS Reporting Requirements for Academic Institutions at the Start of Each Term or Session 06/16/05
School Recertification through December 2004 (PDF)
Documents Accepted In Lieu of Accreditation (PDF)
Rules
Regulations
8 CFR 214.2 (f) Academic and Language Students
8 CFR 214.2 (m) Vocational Students
8 CFR 214.3 Petitions for Approval of Schools
Useful Information
Social Security Procedures
Pursuing Employment In The United States (PDF)
New Procedure between the Social Security Administration (SSA), the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (PDF)
Memo on Pursuing Employment In The United States (PDF)
Fact Sheets and Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I-17 Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
M-Nonimmigrants: Entry and Exit FAQ
FAQ for M-Nonimmigrants: Entry and Exit – VIA ICE
SEVP made every effort to provide complete answers to these common
questions. However, each person’s individual circumstances differ. So
while these questions and answers serve as a general guide, they may
not provide all the information you need to determine whether it is
appropriate to travel or whether you will be readmitted to the United
States. You can contact your Designated School Official (DSO), your
embassy or consulate, or your legal counsel for further assistance.
Please remember that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
officer at the Port of Entry (POE) decides whether or not nonimmigrants
are admitted to the United States. This decision is based upon the
facts and circumstances presented at the time you apply to enter. SEVP
cannot guarantee that you will be admitted or readmitted to the United
States.
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1. Initial Entry For Students (M-1 Nonimmigrants)
2. Reentry For M-1 Nonimmigrants Traveling Outside The United States For Five Months or Less
3. Renewing Your M-1 Student Visa
4. Initial Entry for Spouses and Minor Children of M-1 Students (M-2 Nonimmigrants)
ARRIVING AT A U.S. PORT OF ENTRY … WHAT A STUDENT CAN EXPECT – FACT SHEET
Via ICE – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is committed to facilitating your stay in the United States while you take advantage of our nation’s academic, educational, and cultural offerings. To enhance security without slowing legitimate travel, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has instituted some changes in U.S. entry and exit procedures. Careful planning and preparation by international students can ensure that any delay based on these procedures is minimal.
PLAN YOUR ARRIVAL
You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 form.
ALWAYS HAND-CARRY YOUR DOCUMENTS
Do not check the following documents in your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United State
- Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay;
- SEVIS Form I-20.
In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also hand carry the following documentation:
- Evidence of financial resources;
- Evidence of student status, such as recent tuition receipts and transcripts;
- Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797, and
- Name and contact information for your “Designated School Official”, including a 24-hour emergency contact number at the school.
For comprehensive information on procedures for traveling and arriving in the United States, visit: http://educationusa.state.gov/predeparture/travel/customs.htm
COMPLETE YOUR ENTRY PAPERWORK
If Arriving By Air: Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival Departure Record Forms (I-94). These must be completed prior to landing.
If Arriving By Land or Sea: The CBP Officer at the port of entry will provide the necessary Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94) to be filled out upon your arrival.
AS YOU ARRIVE AT THE PORT OF ENTRY
Proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers. Have the following documents available for presentation: your passport; SEVIS Form (I-20); Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94); and Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059). The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside, not the address of the school or program.
All visitors entering the United States must state their reason for wishing to enter the country. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school program where you will enroll/participate.
Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will:
- Stamp your SEVIS Form for duration of status (“D/S”) for F visa holders
- Stamp your SEVIS Form for 30 days beyond program end date for M visa holders
- Stamp the Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94) and staple it in the passport
FOLLOWING ADMISSION INTO THE UNITED STATES
Students should report to their school within 30 days of the date that appears on the SEVIS I-20 form to register for courses or to validate their intended participation. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SECONDARY INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
If the CBP officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.” Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers.
The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In the event that the CBP Officer needs to verify information with your school or program, we strongly recommend that you have the name and telephone number of the foreign student advisor at your school. In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evening, weekends, holidays), you should also have an emergency or non-business hour phone number available for this official.
Failure to comply with U.S. government entry-exit procedures may result in your being denied entry to the United States. Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor” Form (I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission into the United States. Work with your school to submit the proper documentation without delay.
US-VISIT
All nonimmigrant visitors holding visas — regardless of race, national origin, or religion — participate in the US-VISIT program, a comprehensive registration system tracking entries to and exits from the United States. For more information: www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0440.xml
NATIONAL SECURITY ENTRY-EXIT REGISTRATION SYSTEM (NSEERS)
Some individuals may be asked to provide additional information under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). A packet of information will be available at the port of entry explaining the registration procedure. For more information: www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0440.xml
The U.S. Immigration Law Blog by Ashwin Sharma 