DALLAS — Bilal Ahmed Khaleeq, 47, a Dallas attorney, has admitted to running a marriage fraud scheme that defrauded the U.S. immigration system. Khaleeq pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
In a shocking turn of events, Khaleeq will remain on supervised release pending sentencing, which is set for June 4, 2018. His co-defendant, Amna Cheema, 37, a Pakistani national, previously pleaded guilty to her role in the scheme and was sentenced to time served.
According to the plea agreement and 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 co-defendant Amna 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. Co-defendant 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.
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Javier prosecuted. The case is a stark reminder of the risks and consequences of immigration fraud.
Khaleeq’s guilty plea is a major victory for law enforcement and a warning to those who would seek to exploit the immigration system. His sentencing is set for June 4, 2018, and he will remain on supervised release pending that date.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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