U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking more than $470,000 in fines against immigration attorney Suraj Raj Singh, whom it accuses of filing false asylum claims, the Department of Homeland Security said.
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations issued a Notice of Intent to Fine against Singh on July 28, according to the DHS statement released July 30.
The notice covers 54 immigration cases in which ICE alleges Singh prepared and filed 118 fraudulent documents. The agency is seeking the maximum penalty of $470,584.
Singh runs a nationwide practice and mostly represents Indian clients seeking asylum before the immigration court, DHS said. ICE alleges he filed declarations that were identical or nearly identical in language and substance.
“ICE is seeking a fine of more than $470,000 from attorney Suraj Raj Singh.” — DHS General Counsel James Percival
“ICE is seeking a fine of more than $470,000 from attorney Suraj Raj Singh,” said DHS General Counsel James Percival, who added that the department would hold such attorneys accountable.
DHS said the action falls under a federal civil document fraud statute and marks its second such case. ICE issued similar fine notices in June totaling $255,232 against attorney Vinod Doddamani.
The DHS statement did not include a response from Singh.
This is a developing story. Virginia Times will update as information becomes available.
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