Bloomfield Hills Psychologist Helped Immigrants Fraudulently Become Citizens

A Bloomfield Hills psychologist pleaded guilty Monday to her role in a scheme to create fake medical diagnoses to help immigrants fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship.

 

Federal law requires that immigrants seeking naturalized U.S. citizenship show they can read, write and use English language. They must also demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government.

 

But the requirements can be waived for immigrants who can prove they can't comply because of physical or mental disabilities.

 

Firoza Van Horn, 71, and co-defendant Muhammad Awaisi, 62, of Pontiac, a medical doctor, diagnosed immigrants with conditions they didn't have and documented diagnostic tests that were never performed.

 

Van Horn typically received $500 for each fraudulent diagnosis and assisted more than 1,200 immigrants in filing for waivers.

 

Sentencing is set for Nov. 22.

 

Dr. Awaisi, previously pleaded guilty is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 23.