[Image of Bilal Ahmed Khaleeq]
Dallas, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, Bilal Ahmed Khaleeq, a 48-year-old Dallas attorney, has been sentenced to 6 months in federal prison for his role in a marriage fraud scheme. The conviction marks a significant blow to the legal community in Dallas, where Khaleeq once practiced law.
According to the plea agreement factual resume, in June 2015, Khaleeq and others knowingly and unlawfully conspired and agreed together and with each other to unlawfully facilitate and enter into a marriage between Cheema and a United States citizen, Person A, for the purpose of evading immigration laws. Cheema and Person A were married in Dallas County, Texas, and subsequently filed permanent residence applications with USCIS in July 2015.
In exchange for agreeing to marry Cheema, Person A was paid $745. Cheema also admitted engaging in discussions with Khaleeq and Person A at Khaleeq’s law office on more than one occasion to discuss preparation for the USCIS interview and required documentary evidence, including joint bank accounts, tax returns, and bills concerning their joint residence.
Khaleeq also represented the couple at the USCIS interview in April 2016 and advised them on additional evidence to make the marriage appear legitimate. The scheme was uncovered by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Javier. Khaleeq’s co-defendant, Amna Cheema, 38, a Pakistani national, previously pleaded guilty to her role in the scheme and was sentenced to time served.
The sentencing of Khaleeq brings an end to a long and complex investigation into the marriage fraud scheme. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and protecting the integrity of the immigration system.
In related news, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas has announced a crackdown on marriage fraud schemes in the region. The office has vowed to hold accountable those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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