Expedited Citizenships
Ex-Immigration Official Guilty of Bribe-Taking

By REUVEN BLAU

A former immigration official July 20 pleaded guilty to taking bribes in exchange for granting citizenship to undocumented immigrants without following the required steps.

Jimmie Ortega, a former Supervisory District Adjudications Officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, arranged to approve unauthorized foreigners' citizenship applications without them meeting the necessary qualifications. The requirements include: appearing at CIS's office in New York for an interview with an adjudication officer, demonstrating proficiency in the English language, and passing the required civics and United States history exam.

From October 2004 to April 2006, Mr. Ortega solicited and received bribes of between $1,500 and $4,000 from at least 20 immigrants in exchange for arranging their naturalization. In April 2006 he retired, and was arrested in the scheme on Oct. 26, 2006.

Last week, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, soliciting bribes, and procuring or attempting to procure naturalization unlawfully. He faces a total maximum sentence of 30 years' imprisonment, and a maximum fine of twice the gross gain from the offense. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2007 by U.S. District Judge John F. Keenan.

Five of his co-defendants each pleaded guilty to unlawfully procuring naturalization and are awaiting sentencing. The cases against five others are still pending.