US Court Sentences Gujarati Businessman for Aiding Illegal Immigrant Worker
A federal court in West Virginia has sentenced a Gujarati-origin businessman to three years of probation and a $10,000 fine. The court found him guilty of knowingly hiring and assisting an Indian national who had overstayed his visa in the United States.
Details of the Employment Violation
Rajesh Patel, a 51-year-old resident of Ronceverte in Greenbrier County, pleaded guilty to the charges. Federal prosecutors in Beckley announced the sentencing on January 9. Court documents reveal that Patel employed Aakash Makwana at his business in Fairlea from November 2020 until at least September 2024.
Patel admitted he continued to employ Makwana despite full awareness that his immigration visa had expired. Makwana was unlawfully staying in the country at the time.
Extensive Assistance Beyond Employment
Investigators said Patel's role extended far beyond simply offering a job. Since Makwana did not own a vehicle, Patel routinely drove him to and from work. He also transported Makwana to other locations as needed.
Patel provided substantial financial support to Makwana during his employment. He paid Makwana's rent and supplied groceries for most of the time Makwana worked at his establishment. Prosecutors further noted that Patel deliberately avoided paying payroll taxes on Makwana's wages. He paid Makwana in cash, keeping the payments off the books.
Connection to a Larger Fraud Scheme
The case came to light after Makwana's arrest in a separate immigration fraud investigation. On October 8, 2025, Makwana received a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft.
Court records exposed a fraudulent marriage scheme. Makwana had entered into a sham marriage with a US citizen named Kalee Ann Huff of Illinois. He attempted to secure lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, through this arrangement.
As part of the conspiracy, Makwana and his associates allegedly fabricated documents. They later filed a false petition claiming domestic violence to strengthen his immigration application. Federal authorities uncovered the fraud during an investigation, leading to Makwana's arrest and conviction. He is expected to face deportation proceedings after completing his prison sentence.
Patel's Admission and Further Convictions
During his plea, Patel admitted he was aware of the marriage fraud conspiracy. He acknowledged aiding and abetting the scheme by making cash payments to Makwana's co-conspirators.
Kalee Ann Huff, the woman who married Makwana under the scheme, received an earlier sentence. The court gave her five years of federal probation for marriage fraud and perjury. Her brother-in-law, Joseph Sanchez, who helped arrange the sham marriage, also received five years of probation.
Patel's wife, Avani, aged 44, pleaded guilty in the case as well. She admitted to unlawfully employing an alien. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 13.
Federal Crackdown on Immigration Offences
Federal prosecutors stated that Homeland Security Investigations and US Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted the investigation. The operation falls under the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative called Operation Take Back America. This case represents part of a broader federal crackdown on immigration-related offences across the United States.
