Mercer County Couple Pleads Guilty to Conspiring in Asylum Application Fraud

A couple from Lawrence Township, New Jersey, admitted in federal court to conspiring to submit fraudulent asylum applications on behalf of non-citizen clients, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Zuwairul Ameer, also known as "Zuwairul Thowfeek," 61, and Claudette Ameer, also known as "Claudette Pieries," 63, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud before U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp in Trenton. The couple was charged with preparing and submitting false asylum applications that exaggerated or fabricated claims of persecution to secure asylum in the United States for their clients.

The U.S. asylum process requires applicants to demonstrate they have faced persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a specific social group, or that they fear persecution if they return. Asylum applications must be truthful, and if prepared by someone other than the applicant, the preparer must disclose their involvement by signing the application.

Since 2007, Zuwairul Ameer operated a business that prepared fraudulent asylum applications, while Claudette Ameer managed client communications and handled the submission of these documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The applications often included exaggerated claims of mistreatment and failed to disclose that Zuwairul Ameer had prepared them, violating federal law.

The Ameers face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is set for February 25, 2025.

The investigation was conducted by special agents from the FBI’s New York Field Office, under Assistant Director in Charge James Smith, and immigration officers from the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate at the New York Asylum Office, directed by Mathew Varghese. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.