The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is pursuing civil penalties exceeding $470,000 against a New York-based immigration lawyer. The attorney has been accused of filing fraudulent documents in support of asylum claims for numerous clients, allegedly submitting over 100 documents with strikingly similar persecution stories.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Homeland Security Investigations recently issued a notice of intent to fine attorney Suraj Raj Singh. Known for his nationwide practice, Singh primarily assists Indian nationals in seeking asylum through immigration courts.
Accusations against Singh by ICE include the preparation and filing of 118 fraudulent documents across 54 immigration cases.
The agency aims to impose the statutorily allowed maximum fine, totaling $470,584.
This move by Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes as part of broader efforts to clamp down on fraudulent practices. Seen on Jan. 5, 2023, in Washington D.C., ICE continues to enforce stringent measures. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
According to DHS, asylum declarations submitted in support of Singh’s clients’ applications were “identical or nearly identical in language and substance,” containing the same or substantially similar factual narratives and supporting details describing alleged persecution.
“Fraudulent asylum claims threaten the safety of the American people, undermine our immigration system and delay the removal of dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” DHS General Counsel James Percival said.
“ICE is seeking a fine of more than $470,000 from attorney Suraj Raj Singh. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we will hold attorneys like this accountable and put an end to the practice of defrauding and abusing our immigration system.”
A notice of intent to fine is a proposed civil enforcement action that allows the recipient an opportunity to respond before any penalty becomes final.
DHS ISSUES $84B IN FINES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS UNDER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
A U.S. Department Of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection sign is displayed at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Headquarters May 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
The action is the latest step in the Trump administration’s effort to crack down on alleged asylum fraud. In May, Percival directed DHS attorneys to pursue additional enforcement actions targeting fraudulent asylum claims.
DHS said the Singh case marks the second time the department has sought civil penalties against an immigration attorney under 8 U.S.C. § 1324c(d), which authorizes fines for immigration-related document fraud.
ICE seeks a $470,584 fine against attorney Suraj Raj Singh, alleging he filed 118 fraudulent documents across 54 asylum cases using nearly identical claims. (iStock)
Last month, ICE issued five notices of intent to fine against attorney Vinod Doddamani, seeking a combined $255,232 in civil penalties over alleged immigration document fraud.
News Media has reached out to Singh for comment.