EB-1 Visa Fraud? Part 5

Addressing Client Concerns

Clients are alarmed by sensational headlines, with colleagues reporting requests for meetings to ensure petition integrity. The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram, with over 20 years of experience, have navigated adjudication changes by prioritizing integrity. Attorney Chris M. Ingram notes that many professionals can succeed without rare awards, as success lies in robust, verifiable evidence. Rahul Reddy echoed this, stating that the crackdown targets fraud, not legitimate cases, and may benefit honest applicants by reducing backlogs. Strategies include:

Audit Petition Evidence:

Review petitions to ensure all evidence—publications, citations, and awards—is credible. Verify publications’ editorial oversight and circulation, as practiced by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram. Validate citations for authenticity using tools like Scopus. Ensure awards are competitive and field-specific, assessing Stevie or Globee Awards’ roles and supplementing with stronger evidence.

Reassure Clients with Legitimate Petitions:

Emphasize that USCIS targets fraudulent cases, not meritorious ones. With 40,000 EB-1 visas available, honest applicants are well-positioned. Highlight strong evidence, like top-tier journal publications or prestigious awards.

Educate on Red Flags:

Inform clients about fraud indicators, like templated letters, inflated citations, or obscure awards. Caution against “case builders,” advising reports to USCIS or the Federal Trade Commission. Thomas V. Allen’s warning against such services reinforces this.

Prepare for USCIS Inquiries:

Advise retaining documentation (e.g., publication records, award certificates) to respond to RFEs or NOIRs. Strategize to bolster weaker evidence with verifiable achievements. Attorney Chris M. Ingram’s expertise ensures effective responses.

Proactive Communication:

Schedule meetings to discuss cases, providing written summaries of petition strengths and compliance. Acknowledge stress while emphasizing minimal risk for legitimate petitions. Encourage calm collaboration with attorneys.

Monitor Policy Updates:

Track USCIS trends and fraud detection practices. Recent guidance (June 12, 2025) ensures transparency, allowing responses to clarify evidence.