By Esther Claudette Gittens | Editorial credit: Anna Moneymaker / shutterstock.com 

In July 2019, federal authorities arrested Arleigh Louison, a 53-year-old Brooklyn resident, for orchestrating a massive immigration fraud scheme that exploited the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Operating under the alias “Ali Lou,” Louison submitted over 1,800 fraudulent applications on behalf of more than 1,000 clients, falsely claiming they were victims of abuse to secure immigration benefits. 

The Fraudulent Scheme

Louison’s operation involved fabricating narratives of abuse in Form I-360 petitions, essential for VAWA-based immigration relief. He submitted these petitions to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Service Center in St. Albans, Vermont, without his clients’ knowledge or consent regarding the false claims. Additionally, Louison forged fee waiver petitions, further manipulating the system for financial gain. 

Legal Proceedings

A federal grand jury indicted Louison on twelve counts of making false statements in immigration documents. Each count carries significant penalties, reflecting the gravity of his offenses. The indictment underscores Louison’s deliberate exploitation of VAWA provisions, which are intended to protect genuine victims of domestic abuse. 

Impact on Victims

Louison’s clients, many from Caribbean communities in Kings County, New York, sought legal pathways to citizenship. Unbeknownst to them, the fraudulent applications jeopardized their immigration status, exposing them to potential deportation and other legal consequences. This betrayal eroded trust in legal processes and inflicted emotional and financial harm on the victims. 

Government Response

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, in collaboration with the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), led the investigation into Louison’s activities. U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan emphasized the seriousness of profit-motivated immigration fraud and reaffirmed the commitment to prosecuting such offenses. The DSS highlighted the importance of protecting applicants from scams and fraud, underscoring the collaborative efforts of federal agencies in upholding the integrity of the immigration system. 

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Related: 

“Untouchable” Arleigh Louison Continues Immigration Fraud Business While His Victims Face Deportation Proceedings

Role of the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates

In the aftermath of Louison’s fraudulent activities, many victims faced complex legal challenges, including potential deportation proceedings. The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates, located at 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11201, stepped in to represent these victims. Led by Attorney Brian Figeroux, the firm has been instrumental in providing legal assistance to those affected, helping them navigate the repercussions of Louison’s fraud. Attorney Figeroux, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) with over two decades of experience, has been vocal about the pain and devastation caused by Louison’s actions. He emphasizes the importance of seeking legitimate legal advice and warns against fraudulent service providers who exploit vulnerable immigrants. 

Broader Context of Immigration Fraud

Louison’s case is part of a broader pattern of immigration fraud schemes in New York City. For instance, in April 2013, attorney Earl Seth David was sentenced to five years in prison for operating a substantial immigration fraud scheme that facilitated tens of thousands of fraudulent immigration applications. Similarly, in January 2024, Bronx-based attorney Kofi Amankwaa and his son were charged with conducting a large-scale immigration fraud scheme involving fraudulent VAWA petitions.

Preventive Measures and Resources

To combat immigration fraud, New York State offers resources to educate and protect immigrants. The Office of the Attorney General provides guidelines to avoid fraudulent service providers and encourages victims to report incidents without fear of their immigration status being disclosed. 

Conclusion

The case of Arleigh Louison underscores the pervasive issue of immigration fraud and its detrimental impact on vulnerable communities. It highlights the necessity for vigilance, robust legal enforcement, and accessible resources to protect immigrants from exploitation. Ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities, along with legal advocates like Figeroux & Associates, aim to uphold the integrity of the immigration system and ensure that those seeking legal status can do so through legitimate and safe avenues.

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