Man Sentenced to One Year Home Detention for Visa Fraud

SAIPAN, CNMI - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to an investigation that led to the sentencing of a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands man who forced six people from the Philippines to work in deplorable conditions without pay. He also lied to the U.S. government about the employees' visas to cover up his fraudulent and abusive behavior.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced Angel Paras Cruz Jr., 82, was sentenced to one year of home detention for commiting visa fraud. Cruz was also ordered to serve three years probation and pay a $15,000 fine, $300 special assessment fee, and $28,273.31 in restitution to his victims.

USCIS played a vital role in the investigation, supporting law enforcement in their efforts for over a year. Federal law enforcement officers collaborated with USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate immigration officers to investigate Cruz and his two companies.

"This case serves as a prime example of the strong relationship USCIS maintains with our law enforcement partners," said USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler. "Through ongoing interagency cooperation and coordination, we were able to bring this case to a successful conclusion and hold this bad actor responsible for visa fraud. This outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to strengthening the American immigration system."

From August 2023 to January 2024, Cruz brought six workers from the Philippines to the Northern Mariana Islands under the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) Visa Program. He provided the applicants, USCIS, and U.S. Department of Labor false information related to the applicants' wages, work hours, compensation, and job duties. Instead of following the terms of his employees' contracts, Cruz used fear and intimidation to force to them to work overtime, including nights and weekends, without pay; required them to live in degrading conditions; and confiscated their passports.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth R. Backe prosecuted the case in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, with the assistance of DSS - Honolulu Resident Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations - Saipan, and USCIS.

To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.

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