Brazilian National Sentenced for Elaborate Green Card Scam in Boston
BOSTON, MA – May 27, 2025 – In a case highlighting the persistent threat of immigration fraud, Liene Tavares Debarros Jr., a Brazilian citizen, has been sentenced to five months in prison and two years of supervised release for selling counterfeit Green Cards and Social Security numbers in the Boston area. The swift prosecution, a collaborative effort between multiple federal agencies, underscores the government’s commitment to combating these schemes and protecting the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. This is a breaking news development with significant implications for those seeking legal pathways to residency.
Undercover Operation Uncovers Lucrative Fraud Scheme
Debarros, 40, was initially removed from the United States in 2010 but illegally re-entered the country. She established a residence in Woburn, Massachusetts, where she built a business preying on undocumented individuals desperate to regularize their immigration status. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Massachusetts District, Debarros sold falsified permanent residence cards and apocryphal Social Security cards, enabling individuals to seek employment without proper authorization.
The scheme unraveled after an undercover agent from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posed as a potential client. In October 2024, Debarros sold the agent a fake Green Card and Social Security number for $250. A subsequent transaction in December saw the agent acquire two more Green Cards and two additional Social Security numbers for $500. These purchases provided the crucial evidence needed for authorities to intervene.
Beyond the Sale: A Network of Fraudulent Documents
A search of Debarros’s residence revealed three additional Social Security cards and a complete set of fraudulent documents, suggesting the operation was more extensive than initially suspected. The investigation, led by the Document and Benefits Frank Working Group (DBTF) under the National Security Department, involved the Social Security Office of the Inspector General, the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor, and the Boston Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Debarros pleaded guilty in May 2025 to two counts of selling documents with unlawful authentication and one count of re-entry without authorization following a previous deportation. Federal Judge Denise J. Casper handed down the sentence of five months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, with the possibility of deportation remaining active upon completion of her sentence.
The Rising Tide of Immigration Fraud: What You Need to Know
This case isn’t isolated. Immigration fraud is a growing concern across the United States, fueled by desperation and the promise of a quicker path to legal status. The Department of Homeland Security reports a significant increase in reported cases of immigration-related fraud in recent years, ranging from fake marriage scams to document forgery. The consequences of falling victim to these schemes can be severe, including financial loss, deportation, and a permanent bar from future immigration benefits.
Protecting Yourself: If you are seeking to navigate the U.S. immigration system, it is crucial to work with qualified and licensed immigration attorneys. Avoid individuals offering “quick fixes” or suspiciously low prices. Always verify the credentials of anyone offering immigration assistance. The USCIS website (https://www.uscis.gov/) provides valuable resources and information on legitimate immigration pathways.
Federal Prosecutor John J. Reynolds III, of the Criminal Division, prosecuted the case, with Michael J. Krol, Head of the National Security Research Division in New England, leading the specialized team responsible for dismantling the organization. This successful operation serves as a stark warning to those involved in exploiting vulnerable individuals through immigration fraud.
The fight against immigration fraud is a continuous process, requiring vigilance from law enforcement and informed decision-making from those seeking to build a new life in the United States. Archyde.com will continue to provide breaking news and in-depth coverage of this critical issue, offering resources and insights to help you stay informed and protected. Stay tuned for further updates on immigration policy and enforcement efforts.
