Federal legislation enforcement businesses have arrested 15 college students, together with 11 from India, on prices of fraudulently staying contained in the nation. These college students have been arrested Wednesday from numerous places in Boston, Washington, Houston, Ft. Lauderdale, Newark, Nashville, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Along with 11 Indian nationals, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement additionally arrested two Libyans, one Senegalese and one Bangladeshi nationwide.
In line with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, the arrests have been made on account of Operation Optical Phantasm, a legislation enforcement operation focusing on nonimmigrant college students who fraudulently used the Non-obligatory Sensible Coaching (OPT) program to stay within the US. OPT permits nonimmigrant college students to work within the US in positions associated to their subject of research for as much as one 12 months, with a further 24 months if the coed participates in STEM non-compulsory sensible coaching.
ICE stated these college students claimed to be employed by corporations that don’t exist. ”That is simply one other instance of the Trump Administration not solely placing America first however ensuring the legal guidelines of the immigration system are enforced,” stated Appearing Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli.
”Each occasion of fraud is a job an American employee may have had, and with so many Individuals searching for work this crime is much more unacceptable,” he stated. ”ICE has a system of checks in place to mitigate fraud and is dedicated to defending nationwide safety by guaranteeing that college students, guests, and faculties adjust to US immigration legal guidelines,” stated ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Tony Pham.
”These newest arrests display that the company is actively focusing on people who attempt to exploit the coed visa system,” he stated.
