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Indian-American couple plead guilty to aiding illegal immigration
The Greenbrier County couple admitted to employing and aiding an Indian national who overstayed his visa.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 19, Sep 2025
- 12:45 EDT
- 19
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USCIS logo / USCIS
An Indian-American couple pleaded guilty to federal immigration offenses involving the employment of a man residing unlawfully in the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Rajesh N. Patel, 51, of Ronceverte, admitted to knowingly transporting an illegal alien, while his wife, Avanibahen Patel, 44, admitted to unlawful employment of aliens.
Also Read: USCIS warns against visa fraud after Indian man’s conviction
Court filings show that from November 2020 through September 2024, the couple employed Aakash Prakash Makwana, 30, a citizen of India who overstayed his visa, at their Fairlea business.
Rajesh also acknowledged providing Makwana with housing, groceries, and transportation while failing to withhold payroll taxes. He further admitted to aiding a marriage fraud conspiracy designed to secure permanent residency for Makwana by making cash payments to co-conspirators.
Makwana pleaded guilty in May to aggravated identity theft, admitting he attempted to marry a U.S. citizen in 2021 to evade immigration laws. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 26.
Two Illinois residents, Kalee Ann Huff, 28, and Joseph Sanchez, 33, were previously sentenced to probation for their roles in arranging the sham marriage.
Rajesh is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2026, and faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Avanibahen Patel is set for sentencing on Jan. 5, 2026, and faces up to six months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $3,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the guilty pleas and credited the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and USCIS.
The case comes amid stepped-up federal scrutiny of immigration violations, including unlawful employment and fraudulent green card schemes. Agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have intensified probes into immigration fraud nationwide. In West Virginia, state authorities have also expanded cooperation with federal enforcement, with the governor earlier this year announcing participation in ICE’s 287(g) program allowing local officials to conduct immigration status checks.
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