Two executives of an immigration services company in California have been accused of inserting false statements into asylum applications and encouraging clients to lie during asylum interviews, according to prosecutors. Dongquan “Derek” Jin and Yimin “Kelly” Lu have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly aiding and abetting false statements on asylum applications, as stated in an Oct. 11 press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.
Jin and Lu ran Gospel Immigration Service, a company based in Newark, California, that provided clients with assistance in applying for immigration documents and benefits, including asylum. Jin was the company’s chief executive officer, while Lu was the secretary and chief financial officer.
The two charged their clients at least $5,000, with VIP customers who paid more than $5,000 receiving more assistance with their applications. Their scheme allegedly lasted from 2013 to 2024 and involved more than 200 asylum applications submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), according to the indictment.
Jin and Lu allegedly provided their clients with sample personal statements describing persecution to use in preparing their own personal statements supporting their asylum claims. They would then review and edit these statements while including false details they believed would increase the chances of approval.
During preparation for USCIS interviews, Jin and Lu instructed their clients to memorize false details from their applications. They also held interview training sessions aimed at increasing favorable outcomes.
The indictment further alleges that once clients’ applications were approved, Jin and Lu pressured them into giving additional pay or “red envelopes.” One Chinese national paid about $5,000 for assistance from Lu in 2019; this individual’s application falsely indicated arrest threats due to practicing Christianity in China.
Jin used similar false information about being a Christian in China when assisting another Chinese national named “G.Y.” However G.Y.’s application has not been granted yet.
Another Chinese national named “M.C.” paid for Jin’s service in 2019; this individual’s application falsely indicated forced abortion against her will by government officials in China. M.C.’s U.S. asylum has been granted.
Jin and Lu are scheduled to appear before federal court on Oct. 16 where they each face a maximum prison sentence of ten years along with a $250k fine if convicted.