How AI Tools Are Changing USCIS Fraud Detection: What Applicants Should Know
In recent years, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics to identify potential fraud or inconsistencies in visa and green card applications. While these technologies are designed to improve accuracy and efficiency, they have also raised new challenges for applicants who may face additional scrutiny, even when their filings are legitimate.
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our New York immigration attorneys stay informed on emerging USCIS technologies and how they affect adjudications. Understanding how these AI tools work can help applicants and employers prepare stronger, more transparent submissions.
The Growing Role of AI in USCIS Review
Artificial intelligence now assists USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in processing applications faster and flagging anomalies for further review. These systems analyze data across multiple platforms, including prior filings, employment records, and travel histories.
AI helps identify:
Patterns of fraudulent documentation or duplicate filings.
Discrepancies in job titles, salaries, or employer information.
Unusual travel activity or status violations.
Trends that suggest possible misrepresentation.
While this technology enables officers to detect potential fraud more efficiently, it can also misinterpret data, especially when information is taken out of context or when applicants have complex personal or professional histories.
Why Legitimate Applicants Can Still Be Flagged
AI tools rely heavily on automated comparisons between datasets, so even minor inconsistencies can trigger red flags.
For example:
A slight variation in an employer’s business name across filings may appear suspicious.
Typographical errors in job titles or salaries could be interpreted as false statements.
Social media activity or online professional profiles that differ from the petition details may prompt additional investigation.
When flagged, cases are often referred to the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) division for manual review. Applicants may then receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) requesting clarification.
Our New York immigration attorneys regularly assist clients in responding to such inquiries, ensuring all explanations and supporting evidence are clear, consistent, and credible.
How Applicants Can Prepare
AI-driven scrutiny means that every detail in your immigration petition must be accurate, consistent, and verifiable.
To reduce the risk of being flagged:
Maintain Consistency: Ensure all names, addresses, job descriptions, and dates match across forms, supporting documents, and online professional profiles.
Provide Context: Include clear explanations for any employment gaps, title changes, or variations in job duties that could appear irregular to an algorithm.
Verify Employer Data: Employers should confirm that all information in petitions, including tax and corporate details, matches federal and state registration records.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain copies of all filings, correspondence, and previous approvals to address any USCIS inquiries quickly.
Work With an Experienced Immigration Attorney: Legal guidance helps ensure accuracy, compliance, and readiness for evolving fraud detection methods.
Despite its growing reliance on automation, we believe that USCIS continues to make final decisions through human adjudicators. This means that applicants who provide thorough documentation, consistent facts, and credible explanations remain well-positioned for approval.
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our attorneys combine legal insight with a deep understanding of USCIS procedures to ensure your application withstands both technological and human review.
Speak With an Immigration Attorney in New York
As USCIS expands its use of AI, precision and transparency have never been more critical. Whether you are filing a work visa, adjustment of status, or permanent residency petition, our New York immigration attorneys can help you prepare a complete and reliable submission.
Call Sharma Law Associates, LLC at 646-374-3480, contact us online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar to discuss your case with a trusted immigration lawyer in New York.
