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In one instance indicative of Jafri’s practice, Jafri filled out a visa application for a Mexican man who had been living and working the United States. In the H-2A visa application, Jafri lied and wrote that the man would be entering the United States for the first time through Canada.

Jafri instructed the man come to her Windsor office once the application was approved. He arrived Jan. 30, 2012 with his wife. Jafri searched their luggage and wallets to rid them of anything that would indicate they lived in the United States. Jafri then drove the couple to the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel where they applied for entry. The man was allowed entry, but his wife was not. Instead of turning back, Jafri drove across the border into the United States.

Later, Jafri submitted a new TN visa application for the husband, falsely claiming he was agricultural scientist with credentials equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in agronomy.

The man and his employer paid Jafri approximately $7,680 to get the visas. The man also paid Jafri $1,500 in cash on the day they arrived at her Windsor office. The cash fee was to represent them at the border.

“The United States has a strong tradition of welcoming lawful immigrants. However, illegal immigration presents a threat to our economy and our national security,” acting U.S. Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch said Friday in a statement released after Jafri’s sentencing. “We are pleased that Ms. Jafri’s illegal operation has been put out of commission.”

The United States takes immigration fraud seriously, said Steve Francis, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement special agent in charge.

“We are resolute in our efforts to hold accountable the perpetrators who attempt to circumvent United States law by participating in alien smuggling.,” Francis said. “This verdict underscores the necessity of the public’s awareness of these schemes and importance of holding the defendant accountable.”

Jafri has no prior criminal record and is facing no charges in Canada.

ssacheli@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/WinStarSacheli