Fake Immigration Lawyer Sentenced 9 Years for Asylum Fraud
If you used a paid immigration helper who was not a licensed attorney, check whether your case has any pending issues with USCIS. In these situations, people usually consult a licensed immigration lawyer to review what was filed in their name. You can also report suspected fraud directly to USCIS using the Tip Form at USCIS.gov.
What happened
A man from the Chicago suburbs was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for immigration fraud, among other serious crimes. Jose Gregorio Sosa Cardona, 41, of Downers Grove, Illinois, ran a company called Delta Global Solutions, Inc. He told clients he was a licensed attorney and could help them apply for asylum (protection from persecution in another country), immigrant visas, and other immigration benefits. He was not a licensed attorney and had no legal authority to represent anyone in U.S. immigration proceedings.
From 2020 to 2024, Sosa Cardona worked with others to submit false information to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) on behalf of his clients. He fabricated — made up — foreign law enforcement reports and other documents to support his clients' asylum claims. Those clients may have believed their applications were legitimate. U.S. District Judge Sunil R. Harjani imposed the nine-year sentence on May 7, 2026, in federal court in Chicago. Sosa Cardona had pleaded guilty in November 2025 to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., possession of child pornography, and tax fraud.
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USCIS worked closely with federal partners during the multi-year investigation, including ICE Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Authorities also found approximately 2,877 photos and videos of child sexual abuse material on his devices, and he caused roughly $316,000 in losses to the IRS through fraudulent tax filings.
Why this matters for the asylum application process
This case is a warning for anyone seeking help with an asylum application or any other immigration benefit. Unauthorized representatives — people who are not licensed attorneys or accredited representatives — can file false documents in your name. If USCIS discovers fraud in your case, even if you did not know about it, your application may be denied and you could face serious consequences, including removal proceedings (the legal process that can lead to deportation).
What to do
- Before hiring anyone to help with your immigration case, verify they are a licensed attorney or an accredited representative. You can search for accredited representatives on the Department of Justice website.
- Never sign blank forms or documents you do not understand. Ask for copies of everything submitted in your name.
- If you believe someone submitted false documents on your behalf, lawyers recommend speaking with a licensed immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.
- To report suspected immigration fraud to USCIS, use the USCIS Tip Form available at USCIS.gov.