NEWARK, N.J. - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided critical assistance leading to the indictment of two Pakistani nationals for illegally voting in a federal election and making false statements while applying for United States citizenship. The U.S. Attorney's Office made the announcement and credited the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and USCIS with the investigation.

According to the indictments, Muhammad Muzammal, 37, and Muhammad Shakeel, 62, were non-citizens when they registered to vote in New Jersey. On their registration forms, both men falsely certified and attested that they were U.S. citizens. After their applications to register were approved, each, still without U.S. citizenship, cast ballots in the November 2020 general election, which included the election for the offices of president and vice president of the United States. To register to vote and vote in federal elections, a person must be a United States citizen.

The indictments also allege that after illegally voting in a federal election, Muzammal and Shakeel each applied to become a U. S. citizen by submitting an N-400, Application for Naturalization, to USCIS. An N-400 requires the applicant to swear under penalty of perjury that the information they provide in their application is complete, true, and correct. Both men falsely claimed in their N-400s that they had never registered to vote or voted in any federal, state, or local elections. After submitting their N-400s, both men were interviewed by USCIS officers who placed them under oath and questioned them about the answers provided on their applications. Both again falsely asserted to officers that they had never voted in any Federal, state, or local elections.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the penalties carry up to a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment.

To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.

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