PIO attorney faces $2,55,000 US penalty

New York: An Indian-origin attorney in the US faces a fine of more than $2,50,000 for allegedly filing fraudulent documents and false asylum claims on behalf of Indian nationals.

Vinod Doddamani runs a nationwide practice that primarily represents Indian nationals in immigration courts and files asylum applications on their behalf, the US Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investi­gations (HSI) has announced its intention to seek a fine of $2,55,232 against Doddamani for allegedly filing false asylum claims for clients.

HSI issued five Notices of Intent to Fine against Doddamani, alleging he submitted “alien declarations that are identical or nearly identical in language and substance”, with the same or similar narratives and details of alleged persecution in support of asylum claims.

ICE alleges Doddamani prepared and filed 64 fraudulent documents across 32 immigration cases. The agency is seeking the maximum fine permitted under the law. 

“The days of attorneys abusing and defrauding our immigration system are over,” DHS said on X. 

“Our message to immigration attorneys is clear: if you engage in fraud, you will be held accountable,” the DHS added. 

—PTI