Thread: Idahoan charged with fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship

I.C.E. News Release

May 18, 2011
Boise, ID

Idahoan charged with fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship

BOISE, Idaho - A Blaine County, Idaho, man who was under federal indictment on felony immigration fraud charges was arrested Wednesday by local law enforcement, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Americo De La Cruz, 38, of Hailey, Idaho, faces criminal charges of false swearing in an immigration matter, unlawful procurement of citizenship, and perjury. The grand jury returned a five-count indictment against the defendant Thursday.

According to court documents, the indictment alleges that De La Cruz provided false information abut his residence and the validity of his marriage in a sworn interview with immigration agents and in two applications for immigration benefits. Based on the false information provided, De La Cruz obtained U.S. citizenship.

"The defendant in this case falsely believed that he could obtain U.S. citizenship through deceitful means," said Brad Bench, deputy special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho. "However, the outcome of this investigation clearly demonstrates that our nation's immigration laws are to be respected, not ignored."

The charge of false swearing in an immigration matter is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The charge of unlawful procurement of citizenship is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The charge of perjury is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

U.S. Dept of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1105/110518boise.htm

"The defendant in this case falsely believed that he could obtain U.S. citizenship through deceitful means," said Brad Bench, deputy special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho. "However, the outcome of this investigation clearly demonstrates that our nation's immigration laws are to be respected, not ignored."

ROFLMAO!! Now that's funny (in a sick sense)!

Our nation's immigration laws are ignored every day, as evidenced by the millions of illegal aliens that are still here and our government's refusal to enforce them!!

So excuse the idiot for thinking he could get away with LYING/CHEATING/DECEIVING to get US citizenship. He and millions of others get away with all that every day.