Honestly telling USCIS about working with false papers

For those applicants for a work permit who have worked or are currently working with a fake social security number, the consensus legal advice is to either admit that you broke the law and provide the information accurately (it is not clear how USCIS will adjudicate these cases and admitting guilt in this case means that there can be consequences because of identity theft laws that treat this as a felony) or wait for further guidance from the USCIS.  It seems that legal experts are in agreement that no one should lie about it.

Larry, one of my readers, is taking the risk of truthfully telling the USCIS what he has done and hoping that his honesty will be rewarded.  He writes, "I initially hired a paralegal to do my Deferred Action process paperwork, but he insisted on putting my false Social Security Number I've been using to work. I told him it could be a bad idea but he said that it's recommended to not lie to the USCIS and write down the fake number I used (I have been hearing on television as well that it's not recommended to show my false number and tax documents). To clear up this confusion, I personally made an appointment with an Immigration Attorney and asked him about Question #9.  I asked him if I should write down the false number I used for work on this application.  His answer was the right one, I guess.  He said that this question is only to those who received a valid umber from the Social Security Office.  USCIS will confirm all the data provided in the application with the Social Security Administration.   So, in my case, he told me not to leave it blank and also include a copy of the income tax return that shows my false number. He said this is the correct place to prove that I need a valid SSN to work and I'm not lying."

I am publishing this piece of information just to get it out there.  It does not mean that it is the best legal advice and you should follow it.  The best path forward for anyone in a similar situation is to think it for themselves, do more research on their own, seek legal advice, and then make up their minds.

Popular posts from this blog

Can DACA approved DREAMers go on cruises?

As you know, I am strongly opposed to DACA approved DREAMers leaving the United States , even with advanced parole documents .  Yes, I understand that you may have to travel abroad using AP for business meetings or for humanitarian reasons or in some cases to exploit the loophole to let you adjust your status by wiping out your record of entry without inspection (EWI) .  Other than that, I cannot think of any other good reason to risk your future by leaving the US border.  Despite this, I keep getting questions about what loopholes can the DREAMers exploit to study overseas (I mean, seriously, the whole world aspires to study in America, and you want to go elsewhere?) or party somewhere or attend weddings. Passport may not be needed but proof of citizenship is:  One of these frequent questions is about cruises to the Caribbean Islands, like The Bahamas.  The thing is that some of the advertisements for these cruises tend to add "no passport needed" phrase to attract those
Read more

Completed sample Form I-765WS

Image
I already provided tips on completing the USCIS Form I-765 WS by DREAMers seeking work permits , but several of you have written that I provide a sample.  So below is a snapshot of an example form that I completed for a fictitious individual.  Please note the following: Complete your name in such a way that it is consistent with I-821D and I-765 . For current annual income , if you have a regular, full time job, simply use the information from your pay stub.  If not, simply add up the money you have made so far and estimate what your annual income is going to be.  However, if you work casually here and there performing small jobs, and do not have a steady job, simply add up whatever you were paid.  Do not forget tips and cash payments that you might receive, for example, in odd jobs.  If you made no money, for instance, if you are still in high school or simply do not have a job, write zero.  Keep good records of your basis, and definitely anything that can prove your income, beca
Read more

What are the consequences of using a fake Social Security number?

Many of the DREAMers applying for an EAD are struggling with the issue of their past use of a fake/false SSN to work illegally .  Obviously, the USCIS, DHS, and IRS are aware of it, and at this time the application process for the work permit under the deferred action childhood arrivals does not provide any guidelines on what happens if it is found out there is no match between your name and SS#.  There is no consensus among attorneys either right now and while one legal opinion is that there is no need to report any numbers that you have used to work in the past because these are not your numbers anyway, while other experts think that all numbers should be listed. Obviously, each case is unique and everyone should consult with an attorney to get a legal opinion, but this is a very complex situation, and can have serious consequences not just for a work permit under DACA but also for future steps like DREAM Act, green card (permanent residence), and eventually citizenship.  There i
Read more