Authorities arrested leaders of a vast fraud scheme in Illinois for gaming the federal immigration system. Parth Nayi, an immigrant from India, conspired with Indian nationals to run a U-visa scam using fake armed robberies.
Nayi coached fellow co-conspirators Bhikhabhai Patel, Nilesh Patel, Ravinaben Patel and Rajnikumar Patel on how to stage the fake robberies and then pose as victims, subsequently applying for U-visas, which are reserved for victims of violent crime.
In total, they staged hundreds of armed robberies and thousands of foreign nationals paid Nayi to participate as victims. Payments to Nayi reached up to $30,000 per fake victim. Nayi was found guilty and sentenced to two years in federal prison, and is eligible for deportation. Five other unnamed co-conspirators were also found guilty.
Nayi’s fraud caused real violence. In 2023, while staging a robbery at a Chicago liquor store, the fraudsters used a real weapon to make it look convincing, but there was an accidental discharge which critically injured a store employee.
The U-visa was created to help foreign nationals who visited the United States and became victims of violent crime, particularly sexual assault or human trafficking. Recipients receive temporary legal status, work authorization, deportation protection, and a pathway to permanent legal status.
Nayi turned a program intended to be protection for the most vulnerable into a racket.
Thankfully, this individual was caught and brought to justice. But his success highlights a bigger problem in the US. Nations that offer vast welfare benefits quickly become the target of thieves, cheaters, and criminals. Where Americans see assistance for the needy, others see a vulnerability to exploit for their own personal gain.
Many of our other visa programs are riddled with abuse.
Texans for Strong Borders supports the policy solutions America needs to put citizens first. Establishing a net immigration moratorium would prevent countless foreign fraudsters like Nayi from entering the country in the first place. Eliminating unsalvageable programs like H-1B and OPT would reduce plug the loopholes in our system.
With immigration curtailed and fewer opportunities available, authorities could weed out the criminals instead of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fraud. It’s time for elected officials to start taking meaningful action against foreigners who come here to swindle our citizens.