NCJ Number
173497
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: Jan/Mar 1998 Pages: 25-28
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the use, counterfeiting and subsequent detection of fraudulent Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) documents.
Abstract
United States Immigration and Naturalization documents such as the Alien Registration Card (the "Green Card") are in constant demand by persons involved in criminal activity, terrorism or escaping economic hardship. These persons attempt to counterfeit or to alter genuine cards by a variety of methods. The article discusses the users of illegal documents, the manufacture and alteration of these documents for illegal use, and the subsequent detection of fraudulent documents. Counterfeit documents are used by illegal aliens, gang members, criminals, smugglers, drug traffickers, terrorists and subversives. These persons use fraudulent documents to create new identities allowing them to travel internationally, gain entry, obtain monetary or immigration benefits, and commit criminal, subversive or terrorist acts and avoid detection by law enforcement authorities. The article describes some features to look for to differentiate valid from fraudulent INS documents. Notes, figures