Monrovia – A Liberian-American immigration officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Companies (USCIS) has been charged in a federal bribery scheme that allegedly spanned a decade, involving guarantees to control immigration recordsdata, take away obstacles similar to a “terrorist” designation, and fast-track citizenship in change for 1000’s of {dollars} in bribes.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Amara Dukuly, 43, a naturalized U.S. citizen and Military veteran initially from Liberia, is going through federal costs of bribery of a public official, in line with a legal grievance filed by U.S. Legal professional David Metcalf in Philadelphia federal courtroom on Thursday. The Day by day Instances, a U.S.-based publication, first reported the fees.
On the time of the alleged offenses, Dukuly was employed by USCIS as a fraud detection and nationwide safety immigration officer in Philadelphia, in line with U.S. media. His position was strictly investigative—centered on figuring out suspicious candidates and organizations looking for immigration advantages. Federal authorities say he was not approved to course of immigration functions or work together with recordsdata outdoors of these assigned to him, nor did he have duties within the Asylum or Adjustment of Standing workplaces.
Based on an affidavit filed by Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) Particular Agent Clyde Parsons, Dukuly has been below investigation since no less than 2017. His alleged misconduct first surfaced in 2016 when a girl reported that he solicited $6,000 from her in 2015 to “pull” her husband’s immigration file. She paid $3,760 upfront in money however later obtained a discover from USCIS that contradicted Dukuly’s declare. When she confronted him, Dukuly allegedly threatened her, saying, “I used to be within the Military, fought within the Iraq Warfare, and now I’m an immigration officer—nothing can be executed.” He additionally threatened to have her arrested if she pursued the matter additional.
She finally withdrew the civil grievance and declined to talk with federal investigators.
In one other case, a girl alleged she paid Dukuly $1,500 in 2014 or 2015 for assist together with her citizenship software, however he by no means assisted her. Two extra people—known as People 2 and three—mentioned that in a 2018 compliance test, Dukuly claimed their paperwork was flawed and directed them to name a particular quantity. After they did, they have been advised to pay $4,000 to have the problem resolved. Suspicious, they contacted their lawyer as a substitute and didn’t pay. Cellphone information confirmed Dukuly referred to as the quantity earlier than the encounter, although investigators couldn’t establish who was behind it.
In one other occasion, a West African man advised authorities that he paid Dukuly $1,500 in money after listening to from others that Dukuly may assist keep away from deportation and alter immigration standing. Although Dukuly crammed out some kinds, he later advised the person he didn’t qualify. Dukuly refused to refund greater than $500, citing “companies rendered” and saying he needed to pay others.
One more particular person reportedly gave Dukuly $5,000 and a 2014 Ford Fusion in change for help in acquiring U.S. citizenship regardless of previous authorized points. That individual was later denied citizenship and finally deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2021.
Walmart Parking Lot Sting
The latest incident occurred on April 4, 2025, within the parking zone of a Walmart in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. There, Dukuly allegedly met with a confidential supply who sought assist eradicating a “terrorist” label from his immigration file—an automated disqualifier for U.S. citizenship.
Based on investigators, the assembly was video and audio recorded. Through the change, Dukuly reportedly solicited $6,000 in money and claimed the funds could be used to “pay folks” to control the file.
“These persons are going to work the system, manipulate, take ‘terrorist’ off… Make you common,” Dukuly was recorded saying.
“Clear,” the supply replied.
“They’re going to make it clear,” Dukuly mentioned. “Then you definitely’re going to undergo the common course of.”
He additionally advised the supply he would wish an extra $3,000 in June and instructed him to not inform his lawyer or anybody else in regards to the association.
After accepting the preliminary cost, Dukuly reportedly assured the supply, “I’m going to struggle onerous for you.” He claimed he was not protecting any of the cash and would ship it to contacts who may clear the designation. Nonetheless, USCIS information confirmed that as of the submitting of the legal grievance, neither Dukuly nor any officer had accessed the supply’s file.
Monetary Hassle
Based on the grievance, Dukuly was going through extreme monetary difficulties. His credit score report, as of March 2025, confirmed that he was behind on mortgage funds and had 4 bank cards and two cost accounts charged off. One other $17,000 in debt was despatched to collections, and his whole debt stood at greater than $32,000.
The U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace confirmed the investigation is ongoing and urged anybody with info to name 1-866-347-2423, choose immediate 2, and reference Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia.
Broader Implications
Dukuly’s indictment comes amid broader scrutiny of immigration enforcement and coverage. The case additionally resonates with the Liberian diaspora, a major group in the US that features many who fled the civil battle and the Ebola disaster.
Liberians within the U.S. have lengthy confronted uncertainty over their immigration standing. About 4,000 at the moment reside within the U.S. below Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), a program first approved in 2007 by President George W. Bush following the expiration of Momentary Protected Standing (TPS) protections. DED permits holders to stay and work within the U.S. and has been prolonged by each president since.
Observers say the alleged actions by Dukuly could additional erode belief within the immigration system amongst weak populations looking for lawful standing in the US.