Hispanic Man Pays Over $30,000 for a Green Card and Gets the Last Thing He Expected

Migrant Falls for Green Card Scam

Immigration Fraud Involves Fake Lawyer

Counterfeit Green Card Discovered

A Hispanic migrant identified as Luis reported being the victim of an immigration fraud scam in the United States after paying more than $30,000 to a supposed immigration attorney who promised to help him obtain permanent residency.

The case, revealed by Univisión, exposes a growing problem among immigrant communities amid widespread deportations and federal raids occurring across the country.

Luis explained that he began his immigration process in February, shortly after President Donald Trump took office and tightened immigration policies while increasing surveillance of undocumented immigrants.

Hispanic Man Receives Fake Green Card

A green card scam case shocks the community – Photo: Shutterstock

Driven by fear of deportation, Luis turned to an attorney who assured him he could obtain a green card through a family petition if he made several payments to cover supposed processing fees.

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Hoping to legalize his status, Luis paid over $30,000 in installments, trusting he would receive an authentic document allowing him to live and work legally in the country.

Nearly seven months later, in August, he received an envelope containing what appeared to be a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) and a Social Security Number, both of which seemed official.

How Immigration Scammers Operate

Luis immediately noticed inconsistencies — the identification numbers on the documents did not match — but continued with the process, trusting the lawyer who had guided him for months.

When he went to a government office to apply for a driver’s license and Real ID, a document required for domestic flights and federal identification, a clerk quickly spotted irregularities.

Upon closer inspection, officials confirmed that both the green card and the Social Security card were counterfeit.

Luis not only lost a large sum of money but also faces the risk of a potential investigation for unknowingly using fraudulent documents — a situation that has created fear among thousands of migrants in similar circumstances.

Tips to Avoid Immigration Fraud in the United States

Green Card Scam Case Shocks the Community – Photo: Shutterstock

Support organizations such as the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP Together) warn that these types of scams are increasing due to the desperation of many immigrants seeking legal status.

ASAP advises migrants to be cautious of anyone offering quick or guaranteed immigration solutions, as legitimate USCIS processes typically take months or even years depending on the case.

They also recommend always verifying that anyone claiming to be an immigration attorney has a valid U.S. license and is registered in the state where they practice.

Other key tips include:

Never hand over money without receiving an official receipt.

Do not sign any documents without reading or fully understanding them.

Avoid misleading ads or social media messages that promise quick green cards — these are often organized fraud networks operating across several states.

Immigration scams not only cause financial loss but can also result in serious legal consequences, jeopardizing legitimate immigration processes in the future.

Now, Luis is seeking legal assistance to report the fake lawyer and prevent more migrants from falling victim to fraudsters who exploit their need for safety and stability in the United States.