Unrecognized American Indian Tribe Charged in Immigration Scam

Carolyn Hileman* | September 24, 2007

Associated Press

WICHITA, KS — A group that claims to be an American Indian tribe has been indicted for selling memberships to immigrants who were told they would become U.S. citizens, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Eleven employees of the Kaweah Indian Nation also were accused in the indictment, which was returned under seal Wednesday. The man who claims to be the tribe’s chief was arrested in the case earlier this month and the group’s offices were raided.

Prosecutors contend the Kaweah Indian Nation marketed memberships to legal and illegal immigrants by saying the documents conferred U.S. citizenship and would allow immigrants to obtain other documents and benefits, including Social Security cards.

“Of course, citizenship cannot be obtained in that manner,” U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren said at a news conference.

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