Fil-Am gets 5 years for ‘fixing’ visitor’s visas

According to a recent US Embassy press release, Charles Joseph "Joey" Becker helped more than 3,000 Filipinos enter the US illegally by providing them with fraudulent documentation and false identities. The 53-year-old Filipino-American had accumulated so much money from these illegal activities that he was able to live in Beverly Hills.

But the long arm of the law finally caught up with him this year, and just recently, a US District Court Judge in California sentenced him to five years in federal prison in the United States. A jury had earlier convicted Becker on five felony counts, including "fraud and misuse of visas" and "inducing illegal aliens to enter the United States."

Becker was found guilty of operating an immigration business intended to bring Filipinos to the US illegally. The judge and jury also found Becker guilty of perjury, intimidation of witnesses , and obstruction of justice. Becker and five former employees are also facing charges in the Philippines for fraud and related activities.

Becker’s illegal business, according to the Embassy, was based in Manila and Los Angeles. After his clients arrived in the US, Becker would issue them fraudulent social security and immigration documents so they could seek employment.

Becker’s arrest last year was followed by a crackdown by the INS on three "immigration consultants" in Los Angeles for allegedly "falsely portraying themselves as lawyers, false advertising, and taking advantage of immigrant clients."

It is obvious that the INS and the State Department, through the US Embassies and consulates, do not want people to be victimized by unlicensed and illegal immigration consultants. Federal authorities prosecuted Becker, the three LA "immigration consultants," and other alien smugglers, to show the US government’s resolve to stop such illegal activities.

People who continue to entrust their immigration matters to these illegal operators are forewarned that their cases could be jeopardized for the simple reason that the mere act of "completion and filing" of your immigration forms by these consultants could be considered "illegal." Besides, it is a crime to provide false information and to use fake documents.

In their desire to get into the United States, many people fall victim to these illegal operators, who make all kinds of promises. Some people, in their desperation, turn a blind eye to the illegal activities of these consultants and throw caution to the wind, just so they can work and live in the US.

But with the current crackdown by the INS and federal authorities against illegal immigrants following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, it won’t be long before the US authorities reach not only the people who brought illegal aliens into the US, but also the illegal immigrants themselves who availed of their illegal services.

The bottom line is that fraudulent representations won’t give you the immigration benefits you desire. The supposed "shortcuts" to immigration that these illegal operators promise can only lead you to deeper trouble — a shameful deportation or, worse, a term in jail. All of Joey’s clients will now be subject to being entered in the US government’s watchlist for having entered the US based on fraud and misrepresentation. They face the possibility of not only a "shameful deportation," but also a permanent bar based on misrepresentation under 212(a)(6)(C).

There is no substitute for honest, legitimate avenues for visa or immigration benefits. It may take longer than the "quick fixes" offered by unscrupulous consultants, but if you are really qualified for the visa or immigration benefit you are seeking, you should always do it right and follow the law.

If you desire to enter the United States as a visitor or as an immigrant, I suggest you consult with, and retain the services of a reputable attorney, who could analyze your case and options, and assist you through the process the "legal way".

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been a licensed attorney in California for over 21 years. He has always excelled in school: Valedictorian in High School; Cum Laude at UCLA; and Law Degree Honors and academic scholar at Loyola Law School, which is one of the top law schools in California. He is also an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the Immigration Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. All immigration services are provided by an active member of the State Bar of California and/or by a person under the supervision of an active member of the State Bar.

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