ICE Targets Immigration Attorney With $470K Fine Over False Asylum Claims

The fine, announced Thursday, stems from allegations that Singh submitted boilerplate asylum applications on behalf of 54 clients, with nearly identical narratives across all cases. ICE says Singh prepared and filed 118 fraudulent documents, including asylum applications and supporting affidavits, that contained fabricated details to meet legal thresholds for asylum eligibility.

According to the agency, Singh's clients were unaware that their applications contained false information, and many were placed in removal proceedings after the fraud was detected. ICE's investigation found that Singh's office used a template to generate asylum claims, swapping in client names and personal details while keeping the core story unchanged.

The civil penalty, which is the maximum allowed under federal law, was issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which permits fines for attorneys who engage in immigration fraud. ICE has referred the case to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution, though no charges have been filed yet.

Singh, who practices in California, has not publicly responded to the allegations. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to crack down on immigration fraud, which officials say undermines the integrity of the asylum system and wastes government resources.

If the fine is upheld, Singh could be barred from practicing immigration law, and his clients may face deportation. ICE has urged anyone who believes they were a victim of immigration fraud to report it to the agency.