Liberian Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Immigration Fraud, Then Will Be Removed From the United States

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Isiah Kangar, 52, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to 12 months in prison, 90 days of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and $100 special assessment for conspiracy to defraud the United States, visa fraud, and attempted unlawful procurement of citizenship. Following the conclusion of his sentence, the defendant will be removed from the United States.

In 2009, Kangar, who was born in Liberia, posed as his brother when he applied for a visa to enter to the United States as the unmarried son of a lawful permanent resident. Once in the United States, he became a lawful permanent resident and obtained a “green card” under the false identity, which enabled him to remain in the United States for over a decade. In 2022, he applied for U.S. citizenship using documents bearing his brother’s identity, including the green card, a Pennsylvania driver’s license, and a Liberian passport.

In February 2024, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted the defendant on multiple charges related to immigration fraud. He pleaded guilty to three counts against him in November.

“The defendant built his life here on a foundation of lies,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “His fraud on the U.S. government spanned 15 years and required not just deceit, but apparent preparation and planning. With a finite number of immigrant visas available each year, he took a spot that could have gone to someone more deserving. Bottom line: anyone who wants to come to our country must do so 100% legally.”

“Preserving the integrity of our immigration system is essential to national security and public trust. Fraudulent schemes that undermine lawful immigration processes will be investigated and prosecuted,” said Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “Through close collaboration with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, HSI remains dedicated to identifying and prosecuting individuals who seek to manipulate the system for personal gain.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour with the Department of Justice’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions section, and Eastern District of Pennsylvania Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Harrell and Patrick Brown. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, Philadelphia, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, also provided assistance.