BURLINGTON, Vt. — An Indian national was convicted and sentenced for submitting a fraudulent immigration application under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), following an investigation supported by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), federal prosecutors announced.
Nasir Hussain, 34, was found guilty of making false statements on an I-360 VAWA self-petition, which he used to falsely claim spousal abuse in an effort to obtain legal U.S. residency. After a jury trial in Vermont, Hussain received a time-served sentence.
Sham Marriage and Fabricated Evidence
Court documents revealed that Hussain traveled to Connecticut in October 2021 to enter a sham marriage with a U.S. citizen. Prosecutors said he never met the woman before or after the wedding. To bolster his fraudulent VAWA petition, Hussain:
- Purchased insurance policies in his “wife’s” name,
- Subscribed to magazines under her identity,
- Ordered merchandise to create the illusion of cohabitation at his Orlando residence.
He later visited an urgent care facility, falsely alleging abuse by his “wife,” and submitted the fabricated evidence—along with medical records—to USCIS. Had his petition succeeded, Hussain could have obtained a VAWA visa and a path to permanent residency.
Witness Testimony Exposed Fraud
At trial, his purported spouse and former roommates testified that she never lived in Florida, dismantling his abuse claims. The evidence proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Hussain’s petition was based on deception.
Prior Fraud Charges and Ongoing Appeal
Hussain had been in federal custody since May 2023 on a separate wire fraud conspiracy charge. A jury convicted him in October 2024, but the court later acquitted him. Prosecutors have appealed the acquittal, leaving the case unresolved.
The FBI led the investigation with assistance from USCIS.
Reporting Fraud
USCIS encourages the public to report suspected immigration fraud through its Tip Form.
Related topics:
- How Does the Immigration Process Work? A Complete Guide
- Can Medical Issues Affect Your Immigration Status?
- What is Immigration Sponsorship and How Does It Work?
