NEWS & ALERTS
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08 Sep2025
Criminal illegal alien lied about his criminal history, true identity, and military service
SEATTLE – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle, facilitated the arrest of Muhammad Chaudhry, a 52-year-old Pakistani national criminal alien. The Department of Homeland Security states that Chaudhry was taken into custody after appearing for a scheduled USCIS appointment in Tukwila, Washington. Law enforcement officers determined he was in violation of federal immigration laws and he has since been placed into removal proceedings.
Chaudhry first entered the U.S. in 1998 on B-2 visitor visa after he lied to the U.S. government about his criminal history in Australia. His criminal history in Australia includes five counts of financial deception, possession of stolen goods, and falsifying passports. Additionally, he lied about his criminal history in Australia in order to obtain a Green Card in the U.S. and has subsequently been denied citizenship twice, dating back to 2008. He then applied for citizenship eight more times while continuing to lie and provide false information to immigration authorities.
This fraudster not only concealed his criminal history from the U.S. government, but also falsely claimed that he was deployed to Iraq. Department of Defense records indicate he was never deployed. Furthermore, this criminal illegal alien collected $449,459.82 in taxpayer dollars from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran’s Benefits Administration, according to an Inspector General’s report dated Sept. 13, 2021.
Chaudhry currently owes the United States government a negotiated payment of $81,080 for a mortgage reduction grant from the VBA, according to an investigation. He has made no payments to date on the amount owed.
After immigration officials determined he misrepresented his criminal history on immigration forms, he was issued a Notice to Appear by USCIS in 2008. He appealed his final order of removal multiple times over the course of 17 years.
“USCIS is responsible for administering America’s lawful immigration system and ensuring the integrity of the immigration process,” said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “USCIS is proud to partner with ICE in its mission to identify, detain, and remove bad actors who threaten the safety and integrity of our communities.”
This fraudster’s history of deception has been noted countless times by courts:
- In 2010’s Chaudhry v. Napolitano, the Court made the following observations on the review of Chaudhry’s first Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, denial: “This Court finds that a disturbing pattern of deceit for immigration-related purposes permeates this case. The Court rejects Chaudhry’s attempts to create a genuine issue by claiming memory lapses and making conclusory protestations of innocence.”
- In 2012’s Chaudhry v. Astrue (PDF) the Court upheld the adverse credibility determinations for the denial of Social Security benefits by the District Court, citing in part: “Chaudhry’s non-prescribed use of a wheelchair and unwarranted use of a cane also factored into the ALJ’s determination that Chaudhry's subjective expression of his limitations lacked credibility.”
- A Feb. 27, 2020, decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals stated, “The respondent’s course of deceptive conduct demonstrates a propensity for dishonesty that makes him undesirable as a potential lawful resident of this country. To permit him to remain permanently in the United States despite his habitual abuse of our legal institutions would not be in the best interests of the United States overall.”
Protecting the integrity of the immigration process is a priority for USCIS. To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.
If you need more information or have any questions call 407-226-3659 to schedule a free consultation at our Orlando or Tampa office.
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