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Fake Indian Tribes Swindling Immigrants For Membership
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by gmony714 | August 19, 2007 at 05:10 am
419 views | 4 Recommendations | 8 comments
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As if the illegal immigrant didn't have enough problems some are being defrauded for as much as $1,200 for membership in the Fake Tribe.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - For prices starting at $50, two nonfederally recognized Indian tribes are offering membership to thousands of illegal immigrants, claiming they can achieve legal status by joining the groups.But immigration authorities insist becoming a tribe member gives no protection against being deported. And immigration advocates condemn the practice, saying it defrauds immigrants of money and gives them false hope.
"You can't just decide to become a member of a tribe and all of a sudden legalize your status," said Marilu Cabrera, a spokeswoman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
In Nebraska, some people reported paying up to $1,200 to join the Kaweah Indian Nation, which became the target of a federal investigation after complaints about the tribe arose in at least five states.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (8)
at 05:21 on August 19th, 2007
Gmony, the headline isn't accurate. These are not Native American tribes. They are fake tribes, and are well known in "Indian Country" as fakes. They are simply a con job run by people pretending to be Native Americans.
The headline unfairly tars Native Americans, who are as much appalled by these fakers as anyone else.
Could you please put the word "Fake" in your headline?
at 05:26 on August 19th, 2007
thanks for the info Pep
at 07:39 on August 19th, 2007
Bless you, gmony, for changing that headline! You are appreciated.
In the United States, in general, non-natives can't belong to tribes. Each tribe sets its own membership requirements, although BIA meddline sometimes muddies the waters.
at 05:43 on August 19th, 2007
Non Natives belonging to a tribe, does not entitle anyone to benefits normally accorded to native members.
This was tried by 6 nations band in Canada with a refugee claimant from Norway a decade ago as I recall and failed.
at 05:59 on August 19th, 2007
Thanks barry i am not familiar with the Tribes of the North West and cental areas
at 06:24 on August 19th, 2007
No Problem gmony, 6 nations are a tribe comprised from the Quebec, Ontario, Upper New York State area on the East Coast
at 07:40 on August 19th, 2007
As Native American tribes struggle to surive and prosper, the fact that non-natives are making up tribes and swindling people is a big concern. Thanks for bringing these cockroaches into the light!
at 07:42 on August 19th, 2007
Thanks PEP