ICE Raid of Local University for Immigration Fraud
Jan. 20 -- On January 19, 2011, ICE agents raided a local Christian-based school, Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton, CA, alleging immigration fraud. Tri-Valley University is a SEVP-approved (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) school, stating that it offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields including medicine, engineering, and computer science. It is reported that the school issued F-1 visas to over 1,500 students, of which 95% are foreign nationals from India. Most of the courses offered at TVU are online courses, or distance-learning courses. Under immigration law and codes, an F-1 student can only be enrolled in the equivalent of one online class per session (semester or quarter).
ICE began their investigation of TVU in May of 2010. During the raid, several administrative buildings, as well as the home of the TVU president, were searched. The office of the U.S. District Attorney issued a formal complaint, stating that "Tri-Valley University has been a sham university. . .used to facilitate foreign nationals in illegally acquiring student immigration status that authorizes them to remain in the United States." ICE also concluded that many of the students shared the same home address, an apartment on 555 El Camino in Sunnyvale, CA. Officials believe that this address was used to hide the fact that many of TVU's students live out-of-state. The U.S. District Attorney filed charges against the TVU president, listing her as the sole defendant in the case.
TVU classes were put on hold, and the university is currently not in operation. Unfortunately, many TVU students are now unclear about their immigration status.
ICE began their investigation of TVU in May of 2010. During the raid, several administrative buildings, as well as the home of the TVU president, were searched. The office of the U.S. District Attorney issued a formal complaint, stating that "Tri-Valley University has been a sham university. . .used to facilitate foreign nationals in illegally acquiring student immigration status that authorizes them to remain in the United States." ICE also concluded that many of the students shared the same home address, an apartment on 555 El Camino in Sunnyvale, CA. Officials believe that this address was used to hide the fact that many of TVU's students live out-of-state. The U.S. District Attorney filed charges against the TVU president, listing her as the sole defendant in the case.
TVU classes were put on hold, and the university is currently not in operation. Unfortunately, many TVU students are now unclear about their immigration status.
