Ghanaian Lawyer In U.S Sentenced To 70 Months In Prison For Immigration Fraud

Kofi Amankwaa, a former immigration lawyer from the New York, was found guilty of participating in a multi-year immigration fraud operation that involved false files under the Violence Against Women Act and given a 70-month jail sentence.

After Amankwaa entered a guilty plea in September 2024, the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the punishment on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. U.S.

Court documents reveal that Amankwaa and his collaborators submitted thousands of fake immigration applications, claiming falsely that his customers had been abused by their family members or children who were U.S. citizens. He charged his clients between $3,000 and $6,000 plus administrative costs for this without telling them.

Amankwaa obtained advance parole travel documents for his clients using the fictitious VAWA applications, enabling them to travel overseas and return to the United States.

Even though he was aware that his customers had not truly experienced abuse, he utilized these documents to petition for permanent residency.

Additionally, Amankwaa has been ordered to:

– Serve three years of supervised release, Forfeit $13,389,000 and Pay $16,503,425 in restitution to his victims

The conviction of Amankwaa underscores the continuous endeavors of U.S. authorities to combat immigration fraud and safeguard the integrity of the legal system.