Adoption Agreement Moves Forward for Russia and U.S.

On July 10, 2012, the Russian Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, approved the bilateral adoption agreement signed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on July 13, 2011.

This marks a significant milestone in the path toward implementing the agreement, which will provide additional safeguards to better protect the welfare and interests of children and all parties involved in intercountry adoptions.

The agreement has also been approved by the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian Parliament and will now be sent to President Putin for signature. The U.S. and Russia will then need to establish procedures to implement the agreement, which the United States is committed to doing as quickly as possible.

Once the two sides have put in place the necessary procedures for implementation, the agreement will become effective upon the exchange of diplomatic notes between the U.S. and Russian governments.

Adoptions will continue according to the existing procedures while the U.S. and Russian governments work together to implement the new agreement.

The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will provide information about the new procedures and clear guidance on their websites related to when U.S. families seeking to adopt in Russia will need to begin following the new procedures well before the agreement’s entry into force.

Please monitor adoption.state.gov and uscis.gov for more information and the latest updates.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part XV

Where can I find more information about where to go for Deferred Action?

I…	Who to submit a request to review my case:	Where can I get more information:
...am subject to a final order of removal.	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when the application period opens	USCIS website at www.uscis.gov. Beginning June 18: USCIS hotline at 1-800-375-5283 (8 am-8 pm; English & Spanish)
…have a case pending before the Executive Office for Immigration Review or a federal court.	U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when the process for accepting requests is announced	ICE website at: www.ice.gov. Beginning June 18: ICE hotline at 1-888-351-4024 (9am – 5pm; English and Spanish)
…have never been apprehended or placed into removal proceedings.	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when the application period opens	USCIS website at www.uscis.gov. Beginning June 18: USCIS hotline at 1-800-375-5283 (8 am-8 pm; English & Spanish)

USCIS Creates Multilingual Resource Center; 22 Languages Available

On July 27, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) launched its online Multilingual Resource Center, a new feature on www.uscis.gov. The center provides a central location for USCIS resources in a variety of languages, to include - Haitian Creole, Polish and Vietnamese.

Offering certain immigration application information in other languages helps ensure USCIS communicates across many cultures and reaches a broader audience, while also ensuring that customers obtain information directly from USCIS, and not from unofficial - and possibly unscrupulous - sources. Materials are available in up to 22 languages, covering information on USCIS application processes as well as frequently asked questions. 

"Our Multilingual Resource Center is our most recent step in increasing customer access to important and accurate immigration information," said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "By providing immigration information to our customers in their native languages, we improve our customers’ experience and enhance their ability to navigate our nation’s legal immigration system."    

One of the highlights of the Multilingual Resource Center is the inclusion of a new Spanish translation of The Handbook for Employers: Instructions for Completing Form I-9 (M-274). Over the past two decades, employers have been using this resource to better understand the employment eligibility verification requirements and how to complete Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The Handbook provides step-by-step guidance, clarifies the law, and answers frequently asked questions on completion of this form. The Spanish translation of the M-274 also will be included on the I-9 Central and E-Verify websites.  

Another feature of the new Multilingual Resource Center is the introduction of a collection of 13 newly translated How Do I… guides in Chinese. The English versions of these guides have been very useful to those needing help understanding immigration requirements and USCIS services. Now, sponsors, family members and friends can print out and provide these materials to the native Chinese speaker they are helping. These guides, already available in English and Spanish, are very useful for people who need help understanding immigration requirements and USCIS services. 

The Multilingual Resource Center can be found at www.uscis.gov/multilingual.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part XIV

Does this Administration remain committed to comprehensive immigration reform?

Yes. The Administration has consistently pressed for passage of comprehensive immigration reform, including the DREAM Act, because the President believes these steps are critical to building a 21st century immigration system that meets our nation’s economic and security needs.


Is passage of the DREAM Act still necessary in light of the new process?

Yes. As the President has stated, individuals who would qualify for the DREAM Act deserve certainty about their status, and this new process does not provide that certainty. Only the Congress, acting through its legislative authority, can confer the certainty that comes with a pathway to permanent lawful status.


How can I get more information on the new process?

Individuals seeking more information on the new process should visit ICE’s website (at www.ice.gov), USCIS’s website (at www.uscis.gov), or DHS’s website (at www.dhs.gov). Beginning June 18, individuals can also call ICE’s hotline (at 1-888-351-4024) or USCIS’s hotline (at 1-800-375-5283) during business hours with questions or to request more information on the new process.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part XIII

Does deferred action provide individuals with a path to citizenship or permanent legal status?

No. A grant of deferred action is a form of prosecutorial discretion that does not confer a path to citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Only the Congress, acting through its legislative authority, can confer these rights.

Why isn’t DHS allowing other individuals to request deferred action under this process?

As a general matter, young people who, through no fault of their own, were brought to this country as children, lacked the intent to violate the law and our ongoing review of pending removal cases is already offering administrative closure to many of them. However, additional measures are necessary to ensure that our enforcement resources are not expended on these low priority cases but are instead appropriately focused on people who meet our enforcement priorities.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part XII

If I receive deferred action through this process, will I be able to travel outside the United States?

USCIS is exploring this issue and will resolve it in the coming weeks as part of its implementation plan.

Will there be any exceptions to the requirement that an individual must have resided in the United States for a least five years preceding June 15, 2012?

An individual must demonstrate that he or she has resided in the United States for a least five years preceding June 15, 2012. Brief and innocent absences undertaken for humanitarian purposes will not violate this requirement.

What should I do if I am eligible under this process and have been issued an ICE detainer following an arrest by a state or local law enforcement officer?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and have been served a detainer, you should immediately contact either the Law Enforcement Support Center’s hotline at 1-855-448-6903 (staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or the ICE Office of the Public Advocate either through the Office’s hotline at 1-888-351-4024 (staffed 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday) or by e-mail at EROPublicAdvocate@ice.dhs.gov.

Mexican National Charged with Alien Smuggling

A Mexican national appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge Wednesday, July 18, 2012, to face charges for allegedly harboring and transporting five illegal aliens who were discovered boarding a plane at the McAllen-Miller International Airport, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.

This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Border Patrol.

A federal grand jury in McAllen issued an indictment July 10 against Jorge Luis Gallegos, 39, a citizen of Mexico, charging him with four counts of harboring and transporting illegal aliens, and conspiring to do so.

According to the criminal complaint, Gallegos was arrested June 20 near the McAllen-Miller International Airport after he was observed dropping off a small group of people at the airport. During a ramp check inspection conducted by HSI and CBP, the same five people were identified as illegal aliens and were boarding a charter plane destined for San Antonio, Texas.

Gallegos had allegedly, along with other individuals, picked up the illegal aliens from the Rio Grande River before taking them to several stash locations in the area. On the same day, he drove one of the aliens to the airport to purchase the flight to San Antonio for the five aliens. He then picked up all five aliens later that day from the final stash location before dropping them off at the airport.

Gallegos has been held without bond since his June 20 arrest. He will remain in custody pending trial.

Jury selection for trial is set for September before Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa.
If convicted, Gallegos faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count as well as a maximum $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Sully, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting the case.
A complaint or indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part XI

If an individual’s request to USCIS for deferred action is denied, will he or she be placed in removal proceedings?

For individuals whose requests for deferred action are denied by USCIS, USCIS will apply its existing Notice to Appear guidance governing USCIS’s referral of cases to ICE and issuance of notices to appear. Under this guidance, individuals whose requests are denied under this process will be referred to ICE if they have a criminal conviction or there is a finding of fraud in their request.

Should individuals who are not in removal proceedings but believe themselves to be eligible for an exercise of deferred action under this process seek to place themselves into removal proceedings through encounters with ICE or CBP?

No. Individuals who are not in removal proceedings but believe that they satisfy the eligibility criteria should submit their request for review of their case to USCIS under the procedures that USCIS will implement.
This process is not yet in effect and requests should not be submitted at this time. Beginning June 18, individuals may call the USCIS hotline at1-800-375-5283, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with questions or to request more information on the new process. The hotline offers assistance in English and Spanish. Individuals seeking more information on the new process should visit USCIS’s website (at http://www.uscis.gov).

Ukranian Human Traffickers Receive Life Sentence

A Ukrainian man was sentenced Monday, July 16, 2012, to life in prison for operating a human trafficking organization which smuggled young Ukrainian immigrants into the United States and forced them to work for little or no pay. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as part of the Joint FBI Organized Crime/ICE Human Trafficking Alien Smuggling Federal Task Force.

Omelyan Botsvynyuk, 52, a Ukrainian national, was sentenced by U.S District Judge Paul S. Diamond. Omelyan and his brother, Stephan, 38, were convicted October 12, 2011 of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Omelyan was also convicted of extortion.

"The sentence handed down today sends a clear message to those who are involved in human trafficking," said Special Agent-in-Charge John P. Kelleghan, of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. "HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit these heinous crimes are held accountable for their actions."

According to court records, between 2000 and 2007, the Botsvynyuks conspired to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity by operating their human trafficking organization. Three other brothers were also indicted in the scheme: Mykhaylo and Dmytro Botsvynyuk are awaiting extradition from Canada; Yaroslav Botsvynyuk is currently a fugitive.

The brothers operated cleaning services with workers who were smuggled into the U.S. from Ukraine and kept in conditions of peonage and forced labor, through physical violence and threats of physical violence. Evidence presented at trial showed the brothers recruited workers from Ukraine, promising them good jobs making $500 per month and another $200 or $300 extra for expenses. The workers were told that room and board would be provided to them and that the defendants would handle all of the travel expenses with each worker expected to earn $10,000 after two or three years of working in the U.S. Rather than arranging for the workers to travel to the United States legally, however, the brothers had obtained only tourist visas to Mexico. Once in Mexico, the Botsvynyuk organization had operatives who coached the workers on how to enter the United States illegally, by wearing American-style clothing and stating "U.S." at the Mexican/United States border.

While some of the workers entered the United States, others were taken into custody by U.S. immigration officials, where they remained for almost two months. Once released and provided with immigration documents and summonses to appear for immigration hearings, the Botsvynyuk organization transported them to Philadelphia, either by bus or by plane. Once in Philadelphia, the immigration documents and return court dates were confiscated from the workers. The workers were put to work cleaning large chain stores at night, such as Target and Wal-Mart, as well as smaller stores.

Throughout their employment with the brothers, the workers lived up to five people in one room, slept on dirty mattresses on the floor, and were never paid. They were told that they had to work for the brothers until their debts, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, were paid.

The brothers used physical force, threats of force, sexual assault and debt bondage to keep the victims in involuntary servitude. The brothers also threatened violence to workers' families still residing in Ukraine. Two female workers testified at trial that Omelyan Botsvynyuk brutally raped them on several occasions. Other victims testified at trial that they were struck and beaten if they attempted to quit or leave the employ of the Botsvynyuk brothers, or if they questioned the lack of payment or the broken promises made in Ukraine. Workers were struck in the presence of other workers, which served as a warning to the rest. After some workers escaped, Omelyan Botsvynyuk resorted to extorting the workers' families in Ukraine, threatening them with mutilation, rape and death if the workers did not return to work or pay their debts.

The Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Toronto Police Department, German National Police, Berlin State Police, Ukraine Security Service, U.S. National Central Bureau, the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and INTERPOL assisted in the investigation.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part X

Will there be supervisory review of decisions by ICE and USCIS under this process?

Yes. Both ICE and USCIS will develop protocols for supervisory review as part of their implementation of the new process.

Can individuals appeal a denial by ICE or USCIS of their request for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion under the new process?

No. Individuals may not appeal a denial by ICE or USCIS of their request for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion. However, ICE and USCIS will develop protocols for supervisory review as part of their implementation of the new process. Although there is no right for appeal, individuals in removal proceedings who believe their cases were not correctly handled may contact the ICE Office of the Public Advocate either by phone at 1-888-351-4024 or by e-mail at EROPublicAdvocate@ice.dhs.gov.

Will dependents and other immediate relatives of individuals who receive deferred action pursuant to this process also be eligible to receive deferred action?

No. The new process is available only to those who satisfy the eligibility criteria. As a result, the immediate relatives, including dependents, of individuals who receive deferred action pursuant to this process are not eligible to apply for deferred action as part of this process unless they independently satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Former ICE Director Sentenced to 20 Months for Fraud

The former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of Intelligence was sentenced July 13, 2012, to 20 months in prison for defrauding the U.S. government.

James M. Woosley, 48, defrauded the government of more than $180,000 in a scheme involving fraudulent travel vouchers, and time and attendance claims.

The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., District of Columbia; Charles K. Edwards, acting inspector general of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS); James W. McJunkin, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office, and Timothy Moynihan, director of ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility.

Woosley, formerly of Tucson, Ariz., pleaded guilty in May 2012 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of conversion of government money. He was sentenced by the Honorable Amy Berman Jackson. Upon completion of his prison term, Woosley will be placed on three years of supervised release. In addition, as part of his plea agreement, he agreed to forfeiture and restitution of the money that he wrongfully obtained.

Four others have pled guilty in the case. Ahmed Adil Abdallat, 64, a former ICE supervisory intelligence research specialist, pleaded guilty in October 2011; William J. Korn, 53, a former ICE intelligence research specialist, pleaded guilty in December 2011; Stephen E.
Henderson, 62, a former contractor who did work for ICE, pleaded guilty in January 2012, and Lateisha M. Rollerson, 38, a former assistant to Woosley, pleaded guilty in March 2012.
Abdallat pleaded guilty in the Western District of Texas, and the others pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia.

Abdallat was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and ordered to pay $116,392 in restitution. Henderson has been sentenced to three months in prison and must forfeit $54,387, representing his share of the proceeds of the crime. Rollerson was sentenced to 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $295,866 in restitution. Korn is awaiting sentencing.

All told, the actions of the various defendants cost ICE more than $500,000.

"Today's sentence reflects the outstanding law enforcement cooperation in a case that unmasked the illicit acts of a senior ICE official," said Director Moynihan on July 13, 2012. "Bottom line: James Woosley violated the public trust in pursuit of his own greed. While his actions are atypical of the dedication and integrity demonstrated by the vast majority of ICE employees, this sentence should serve as a stark reminder about the serious consequences facing those who would exploit their positions for personal financial gain. The ICE Office of Professional Responsibility will continue to investigate those individuals aggressively and seek their prosecution to the fullest extent of the law."

"James Woosley took advantage of the trust he was given by the United States government to carry out a scheme that cost American taxpayers more than a half-million dollars," said U.S. Attorney Machen. "He personally obtained more than $188,000 while also bringing others into the fraud. Now he and four others have been convicted of their crimes, and he will be spending time in prison for this betrayal of his office."

"For years, Mr. Woosley participated in a scheme to defraud the government for his own personal gain," said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. "Today, he is being held accountable for his actions. This sentencing demonstrates that those who engage in government corruption, as well as those who allow it to happen, will be brought to justice."

According to the government's evidence, with which Woosley agreed, from in or about May 2008 until in or about January 2011, Woosley participated in the fraudulent activity involving travel vouchers, and time and attendance claims. In addition, from June 2008 until in or about February 2011, Woosley was aware of or willfully overlooked fraudulent activity of ICE or contract employees under his supervision.

The other employees included Rollerson, who he met in or about 2007, while he was deputy director of ICE's Office of Intelligence. Woosley and Rollerson developed a close, personal relationship. In or about May 2008, Rollerson was hired as an intelligence reports writer for a company that did contract work for ICE. Later that year, she was hired by ICE as an intelligence research specialist. This placed her first in the chain of command under Woosley, and she later became Woosley's personal assistant. Rollerson's official duty station was in Washington, and she lived in Virginia, often with Woosley. Rollerson helped Woosley and the other participants with the paperwork to support the fraudulent payments they later received. Woosley admitted obtaining money in various ways:

·                             Between in or about May 2008 and January 2011, Woosley submitted or caused to be submitted approximately 13 fraudulent travel vouchers to ICE, at a cost of $50,637. As Woosley's assistant, Rollerson created all but one of the travel vouchers, as well as fraudulent documents to support the claimed expenses. She often accompanied him on the trips.

·                             Between in or about November 2009 and January 2011, Woosley submitted or caused to be submitted time and attendance claims for his pay for work he was supposed to be doing while he was on travel. Because he was not actually on travel, or working, he was not entitled to the payments of approximately $27,230.

·                             Starting in 2008, Woosley took a share of the fraudulent proceeds obtained by others in a scheme involving travel vouchers. For example, Henderson, an ICE contractor who was detailed on temporary duty to Washington, kicked back $5,000 to Woosley that was used to purchase a boat. Henderson also lived with Woosley and used some fraudulent proceeds to pay rent. Abdallat wrote checks to Rollerson and others, for the benefit of Woosley and Rollerson, totaling about $58,550. Korn kicked back about $30,648 to the benefit of Woosley and Rollerson. Finally, an unnamed contract employee gave $15,940 in fraudulent travel voucher funds to Woosley, which Woosley used for a real estate investment.

This case was investigated by ICE's OPR, DHS' Office of Inspector General and FBI's Washington Field Office.

In announcing today's sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Acting Inspector General Edwards, Assistant Director McJunkin, and Assistant Director Moynihan praised the investigative agents from the respective agencies for their hard work in this matter. They also acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Butler and Allison Barlotta, who handled this prosecution, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Scruggs, who handled the asset forfeiture.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part IX

What qualifies as a national security or public safety threat?

If the background check or other information uncovered during the review of an individual’s request for deferred action indicates that the individual’s presence in the United States threatens public safety or national security, he or she will be ineligible for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Indicia that an individual poses such a threat include, but are not limited to, gang membership, participation in criminal activities, or participation in activities that threaten the United States.


How will ICE and USCIS handle cases involving individuals who do not satisfy the eligibility criteria under this new process but may be eligible for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion under the June 2011 Prosecutorial Discretion Memoranda?

If an individual has a final order of removal and USCIS determines that he or she does not satisfy the eligibility criteria, then it will reject the individual’s request for deferred action. That individual may then request an exercise of prosecutorial discretion under the ICE June 2011 Prosecutorial Discretion Memoranda through any of the established channels at ICE, including through a request to the ICE Office of the Public Advocate or to the local Field Office Director. USCIS will not consider requests for review under the ICE June 2011 Prosecutorial Discretion Memoranda.

If an individual is currently in removal proceedings and ICE determines that he or she does not satisfy the eligibility criteria for deferred action under this process, it will then consider whether the individual is otherwise eligible for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion under its current practices for assessing eligibility under the June 2011 Prosecutorial Discretion Memoranda.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part VIII

What offenses qualify as a felony?

A felony is a federal, state, or local criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.


What offenses qualify as a “significant misdemeanor”?
A significant misdemeanor is a federal, state, or local criminal offense punishable by no more than one year of imprisonment or even no imprisonment that involves: violence, threats, or assault, including domestic violence; sexual abuse or exploitation; burglary, larceny, or fraud; driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; obstruction of justice or bribery; unlawful flight from arrest, prosecution, or the scene of an accident; unlawful possession or use of a firearm; drug distribution or trafficking; or unlawful possession of drugs.


How many non-significant misdemeanors constitute “multiple misdemeanors” making an individual ineligible for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion under this new process?

An individual who is not convicted of a significant misdemeanor but is convicted of three or more other misdemeanors not occurring on the same day and not arising out of the same act, omission, or scheme of misconduct is not eligible to be considered for deferred action under this new process.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part VII

What documentation will be sufficient to demonstrate that an individual is currently in school, has graduated from high school, or has obtained a general education development certificate (GED)?

Documentation sufficient for an individual to demonstrate that he or she is currently in school, has graduated from high school, or has obtained a GED certificate includes, but is not limited to: diplomas, GED certificates, report cards, and school transcripts.


What documentation will be sufficient to demonstrate that an individual is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States?

Documentation sufficient for an individual to demonstrate that he or she is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States includes, but is not limited to: report of separation forms, military personnel records, and military health records.


What steps will USCIS and ICE take to prevent fraud in the new processes?

An individual who knowingly makes a misrepresentation to USCIS or ICE, or knowingly fails to disclose facts to USCIS or ICE, in an effort to receive deferred action or work authorization in this new process will be treated as an immigration enforcement priority to the fullest extent permitted by law, subjecting the individual to criminal prosecution and/or removal from the United States.


Are individuals with a conviction for a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, or multiple misdemeanors eligible for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion under this new process?
No. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, or three or more other misdemeanor offenses not occurring on the same date and not arising out of the same act, omission, or scheme of misconduct are not eligible to be considered for deferred action under the new process.

Deferred Action Directive F.A.Q.s: Part VI

What do background checks involve?

Background checks involve checking biographic and biometric information provided by the individuals against a variety of databases maintained by DHS and other federal government agencies.

What documentation will be sufficient to demonstrate that an individual came to the United States before the age of 16?

Documentation sufficient for an individual to demonstrate that he or she came to the United States before the age of 16 includes, but is not limited to: financial records, medical records, school records, employment records, and military records.

What documentation will be sufficient to demonstrate that an individual has resided in the United States for a least five years preceding June 15, 2012?

Documentation sufficient for an individual to demonstrate that he or she has resided in the United States for at five years immediately preceding June 15, 2012 includes, but is not limited to: financial records, medical records, school records, employment records, and military records.

What documentation will be sufficient to demonstrate that an individual was physically present in the United States as of June 15, 2012?

Documentation sufficient for an individual to demonstrate that he or she was physically present on June 15, 2012, the date the memorandum was issued, includes, but is not limited to: financial records, medical records, school records, employment records, and military records.

Former Department of Defense Employees Plead Guilty to Citizenship Fraud

Two former Department of Defense employees pleaded guilty in federal court Monday, July 2, 2012, to attempting to illegally obtain and illegally obtaining U.S. citizenship following a probe by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Department of State.

Adeba Sultana, 47, admitted giving false information when she applied for U.S. citizenship in 2008. Sultana acknowledged she used a false name and provided erroneous biographical information on that application, claiming her husband had been killed and falsely describing her method of entry into the United States in various immigration benefits applications. In her application for naturalization, which was approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Sultana lied about her citizenship status and claimed she had not previously provided false information to U.S. immigration officials to obtain an immigration benefit.

Similarly, Sultana's husband, Mohammad Ali Rabbani, 58, admitted giving a false name, false citizenship information, and lying about his method of entry into the United States on his application for asylum and other immigration applications. In his application for naturalization, Rabbani gave false information regarding his citizenship status and falsely claimed he had not previously lied to U.S. immigration officials to obtain an immigration benefit.

The San Diego couple were previously employed as language instructors at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif.

Rabbani and Sultana were indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2011. Rabbani was charged with one count of attempted false procurement of naturalization. Sultana was charged with one count of false procurement of naturalization.

Rabbani and Sultana are scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 15 before U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Davila. The maximum statutory penalty for each count of unlawful procurement or attempted procurement of citizenship is 10 years and a fine of $250,000. Sultana also faces mandatory revocation of her citizenship status.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie Ursini and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Knight are prosecuting the case.

Sentencing for Corrupt Former ICE Agent

A former special agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was sentenced Friday, June 29, 2012, to 30 months in federal prison following a multi-agency investigation that revealed she illegally accessed, stole and transferred sensitive U.S. government documents to unauthorized individuals and obstructed HSI investigations.

Jovana Samaniego Deas, 33, of Rio Rico, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson following a two-day hearing that included testimony from three special agents detailing the harm Deas caused the agency. Deas pleaded guilty in federal court in February to 21 counts of obstruction and other corruption violations.

"Jovana Deas committed an egregious breach of the deep trust placed in our HSI special agents by the American people she swore to protect and serve," said Joe Jeronimo, special agent in charge of ICE's Western Region Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). "While her actions are atypical of the dedication and integrity demonstrated by the vast majority of ICE employees, this sentence should nonetheless send a message about the serious consequences facing those who would exploit their positions and violate that special trust. The ICE Office of Professional Responsibility will continue to investigate those individuals aggressively and seek their prosecution to the fullest extent of the law."

In her plea hearing, Deas admitted to abusing her position as a special agent to illegally obtain and disseminate government documents classified as "For Official Use Only." Some of the sensitive information Deas accessed was later discovered by Brazilian law enforcement on the laptop computer of her former brother-in-law, who has ties to drug trafficking organizations in Mexico and Brazil.

The indictment to which Deas pleaded guilty also charges her sister, Dana Maria Samaniego Montes, 40, of Agua Prieta, Mexico, with federal violations. Samaniego Montes is a fugitive believed to be residing in Mexico. She is a former Mexican law enforcement official with alleged ties to drug trafficking organizations.

Deas entered federal service in June 2003 as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer assigned to the Nogales port of entry. In 2008, she became an HSI special agent and was assigned to HSI's office in Nogales. She was arrested by federal authorities in June 2011.

The federal corruption investigation was conducted by FBI and ICE OPR officers assigned to the FBI's Southern Arizona Corruption Task Force. The investigators were assisted by officers from HSI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the State Department's Consular Integrity Division and the Brazilian Federal Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Lacey of the U.S. Attorney's Office-District of Arizona.

Find an Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony Near You

Date	Location	Summary
6/28/2012	International Ceremony                                            Tegucigalpa, Honduras	International Ceremony - The Tecucigalpa Field Office will conduct a special military ceremony to celebrate Independence Day at the Ambassador's Residence.
6/28/2012	Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, One Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202	The Buffalo Field Office will help conduct a special ceremony aboard the USS Little Rock (former Flagship of the U.S. 6th Fleet).
6/29/2012	Akron Summit Library 60 South High Street Akron, OH 44326	The Cleveland Field Office will help conduct a special ceremony in honor of Independence Day.
6/29/2012	International Ceremony Kandahar Airforce Base Afghanistan	International Ceremony                                                      US Embassy in Kabul
6/29/2012	Dallas Field Office 6500 Campus Circle Drive East, Irving, TX  75063	The Dallas Field Office will celebrate Independence Day with a special ceremony. The Mayor of Irving, Beth Van Duyne, will be present.
6/29/2012	Fort Necessity National Battlefield One Washington Parkway Farmington, PA  15437	The Pittsburgh Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day Ceremony at Fort Necessity - the place of battle for Colonial troops during the opening of the French and Indian War on July 3, 1754.
6/29/2012	Yuba County Government Center 915 8th Street Marysville, CA  95901	The Sacramento Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day Ceremony at the Yuba County Government Center.
7/2/2012	USS Midway Museum 910 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92132	The Chula Vista Field Office will help conduct a special annual Independence Day Ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum.  There will be 50 military applicants.
7/2/2012	Sesnon House at Cabrillo College 6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA	The San Jose Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day ceremony at the Sesnon House at Cabrillo College;   Congressman Sam Farr will serve as special guest speaker.
7/2/2012	Fraunces Tavern Museum 54 Pearl St . New York, NY 10004	The New York Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day ceremony at the Fraunces Tavern Museum.  This building was once a gathering place for George Washington and many other American Revolutionary leaders. Today, the museum focuses mainly on American and revolutionary fine and decorative art and houses a large collection of Washington artifacts.
7/2/2012	Lubbock Court Lubbock, TX	The Dallas Field Office will help the court conduct a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day.
7/3/2012	Garrison House 223 East Bay Street Southport, NC 28461	The Raleigh-Durham Field Office will conduct a special ceremony on July 3rd on the lawn in front of the historic Garrison House, a remaining part of historic Fort Johnston (a Revolutionary and Civil War installation) owned by the United States Army until its transfer to the city of Southport four years ago.
7/3/2012	New Britain Rock Cats Stadium 230 John Karbonic Way New Britain, CT  06051	The Hartford Field Office will help conduct their annual special Independence Day Ceremony at the minor league baseball stadium in New Britain, CT.
7/3/2012	Middletown City Hall 245 DeKoven Drive Middletown, CT  06457	The Hartford Field Office will help conduct their annual special Independence Day Ceremony in conjunction with the Russell Library at Middletown City Hall.
7/3/2012	Old Sacramento School Museum Front and L Streets Sacramento, CA  95814	The Sacramento Field Office will conduct a special children's naturalization ceremony at the Old Sacramento School Museum in celebration of Independence Day; Judie Fertig Panneton, local author of "Proud America: Growing Up As Children of Immigrants" will be the guest speaker .
7/3/2012	Lubbock Court                                 Lubbock, TX	The Dallas Field Office and the Lubbock Court will conduct two special naturalization ceremonies to celebrate Independence Day.
7/3/2012	Miami Field Office 8801 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL  33150	The Miami Field Office will conduct a special ceremony to celebrate Independence Day.
7/3/2012	Jefferson National Expansion Memorial - Old Courthouse 11 North 4th Street St. Louis, MO  63102	There will be a special 4th of July ceremony at the Old Courthouse (part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial NPS site) in St. Louis, MO.  The Old Courthouse was the site of the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case and also where Virginia Minor's case for a woman's right to vote came to trial in the 1870s.
7/3/2012	McCoy Stadium Ben Mondor Way Pawtucket, RI	The Providence Field Office will help conduct a special naturalization ceremony in cooperation with the Pawtucket Red Sox baseball club; the triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.  The ceremony will precede a game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester (NY) Red Wings.
7/3/2012	Portland Field Office 1455  N.W. Overton Street Suite One Portland, OR  972009	The Portland Field Office will conduct a special ceremony at their office in celebration of Independence Day.
7/3/2012	Comerica Park ( Adams Street Ramp)             Detroit, MI	The Detroit Field Office will help conduct a special naturalization ceremony on the field to celebrate Independence Day immediately prior to a Detroit Tiger's baseball game.
7/4/2012	Saratoga National Historical Park 648 New York 32,                                        Stillwater, NY 12170	The Albany Field Office will conduct a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day at Saratoga National Historical Park. This site was the first significant American military victory during the Revolution and the Battles of Saratoga rank among the fifteen most decisive battles in world history. State Senator Roy McDonald will participate in this special ceremony.
7/4/2012	Sauder Village 22611 Street Route 2 Archbold, OH  43502	The Cleveland Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony at Sauder Village where costumed guides explain how families lived over 100 years ago.
7/4/2012  TBD	Seattle Center                                               305 Harrison Street Seattle, WA 98109	The Seattle Field Office will help conduct a special Independence Day Ceremony at the Seattle Center (base of the Space Needle).  This center was first built for the 1962 World's Fair and the 74 acre campus is located just north of downtown Seattle.  This venue offers a fairground, a park, and an arts and entertainment center all year round. Senator Maria Cantwell and Congressman McDermott will participate and the public will be invited to observe.
7/4/2012	National World War II Museum 945 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA  70130	The New Orleans Field Office will conduct a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day at the National World War II Museum.
7/4/2012	South Mountain Community College 10919 S Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85042-8302	The Phoenix Field Office will help conduct a special annual naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day at the South Mountain Community College.
7/4/2012	Thomas Jefferson's Monticello                                                             931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway                Charlottesville, VA  22902	The Washington Field Office will help conduct an annual special naturalization held by the Western District of Virginia Charlottesville Court at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in celebration of Independence Day.
7/4/2012	International Ceremony    Yongson - US Army Garrison	Independence Day naturalization ceremony for over 50 military and military spouses; Brigadier General David Conboy will serve as Keynote speaker.
7/4/2012	Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, New York 14511	The Buffalo Field Office will help conduct a special Independence Day naturalization ceremony at the Genesee Country Village & Museum.  Attendees and visitors will experience a parade and music and merriment as part of the day’s festivities highlighted by the swearing in of new American citizens.  The Honorable Judge Michael A. Telesca will conduct the official United States naturalization ceremony on the steps of the historic village Town Hall.
7/4/2012	National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA  19106	The Philadelphia Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day ceremony for 13 applicants to represent the 13 original colonies. Mayor Michael Nutter will be the guest speaker.
7/4/2012	Saguaro National Park 393 South Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ  85730	The Tucson Field Office and District Court will conduct an Independence Day Ceremony at Saguaro National Park; a place that represents five biotic life zones from desert to ponderosa pine forest and where giant saguaro cacti cover the valley floor.
7/4/2012	George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Alexandria, VA  22309	The Washington Field Office will help conduct an annual special naturalization ceremony at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to celebrate Independence Day.
7/4/2012	Strawbery Banke Museum 454 Court Street Portsmouth, NH  03803	The Manchester Field Office will host a special Independence Day Ceremony at the Strawbery Banke Museum.
7/4/2012	Ethan Allen Homestead 1 Ethan Allen Homestead Burlington, VT  05408	The St. Albans Field Office will help the US District Court Burlington conduct a special Independence Day Ceremony at the Ethan Allen Homestead.
7/4/2012	Bandelier National Monument 15 Entrance Road Los Alamos, NM 87544	The Albuquerque Field Office will conduct a special naturalization ceremony at the Bandelier National Monument to celebrate Independence Day.
7/4/2012	USS Constitution                                              Charlestown Navy Yard 1 Constitution Road Charlestown, MA 02129	The Boston Field Office will help conduct a special naturalization ceremony aboard the USS Constitution to celebrate Independence Day.
7/4/2012	Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA  19106	The Philadelphia Field Office will conduct a special naturalization ceremony at the Betsy Ross House to celebrate Independence Day.
7/4/2012	AutoZone Park/Memphis Redbirds 175 Toyota Plaza Memphis, TN 38103	The Memphis Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day ceremony at the Memphis AutoZone Park prior to a Redbirds game.
7/4/2012	Homestead - Miami Speedway One Speedway Blvd. Homestead, FL	The City of Homestead has once again invited the Kendall Field Office to conduct a special Military Naturalization Ceremony in celebration of Independence Day.  The ceremony will take place at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. There will be children’s rides, live music, food vendors, entertainment and fireworks.
7/4/2012	US District Court                                         Overland Park, KS	The Kansas City Field Office and the court will conduct a special Independence Day ceremony.
7/4/2012	Fisher Cat Stadium 1 Line Drive Manchester, NH	The Manchester Field Office will host a special Military Independence Day Ceremony at the Fisher Cat Stadium.
7/4/2012	Freedom Park - Nellis AFB Las Vegas, NV	The Las Vegas Field Office will help conduct a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day. A fireworks display will follow the ceremony.
7/4/2012	William Paca House and Garden 186 Prince George Street Annapolis, MD  21401	The Baltimore Field Office will conduct a special Independence Day Ceremony at the William Paca House and Garden.
7/4/2012	Tom Brown Park Tallahassee, FL	The Jacksonville Field Office will help conduct a special Independence Day Ceremony at Tom Brown Park.
7/6/2012	James A. Garfield National Historic Site 8095 Mentor Avenue Mentor, OH  44060	Historic Site:The Cleveland Field Office will help conduct a special judicial ceremony to celebrate Independence Day at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.  This site preserves the family artifacts of the 20th president. Exhibits and tours introduce Garfield's humble upbringing and family life and is the site where Garfield launched his "Front Porch" campaign after his selection as the 1879 Republican nominee.
7/10/2012	Raley Field 400 Ballpark Drive West Sacramento, CA 95691	The Sacramento Field Office will celebrate Independence Day with a naturalization ceremony at Raley Field.