Introduction
Robert Schofield was a man of many talents, and his life was marked by both success and controversy. He was an accomplished academic, a respected lawyer, and a dedicated public servant. However, he was also involved in a high-profile immigration scam that tarnished his legacy and led to his eventual downfall. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Robert Schofield, with a particular focus on his involvement in the USCIS scam and its aftermath.
Early Life and Career
Robert Schofield was born in Vermont in 1947, and he grew up in a middle-class family with two siblings. He attended the University of Vermont, where he earned a degree in political science. After graduation, he worked for several years as a social worker before deciding to pursue a law degree. He attended the University of Oregon School of Law, where he graduated with honors in 1975.
Academic Career
After law school, Robert Schofield embarked on a successful academic career. He taught at several universities, including the University of Oregon, the University of California, and the University of Arizona. He was known for his expertise in immigration law and policy, and he published several books and articles on the subject. He also served as a consultant to various government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Public Service
In addition to his academic work, Robert Schofield was also involved in public service. He served as the chief counsel for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) from 1981 to 1985, and he was later appointed as the director of the INS by President George H.W. Bush. He was known for his tough stance on illegal immigration, and he oversaw several high-profile operations to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants.
The USCIS Scam
Despite his impressive resume, Robert Schofield’s career was marred by his involvement in the USCIS scam. In the early 2000s, he and his colleague, Robert Dacey, were accused of defrauding immigrants by promising them green cards in exchange for large sums of money. The scam involved creating fake job offers and falsifying documents to make it appear that the immigrants were eligible for permanent residency. In reality, the immigrants had no chance of obtaining green cards, and many of them lost thousands of dollars in the process.
Legal Troubles
Robert Schofield and Robert Dacey were indicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering. They were both convicted in 2006 and sentenced to prison. Robert Schofield served three years in federal prison before being released in 2009. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial and claimed that he was the victim of a government conspiracy.
Legacy
The USCIS scam had a profound impact on Robert Schofield’s legacy. He was forced to resign from his position as a professor at the University of Southern California, and his reputation as an immigration expert was irreparably damaged. He died in 2016 at the age of 69, and his obituary made no mention of the scandal that had defined his later years. However, the legacy of the USCIS scam continues to haunt his name, and it serves as a cautionary tale for those who would seek to exploit vulnerable immigrants for personal gain.
Conclusion
Robert Schofield was a complex figure, with both admirable achievements and serious flaws. His involvement in the USCIS scam was a dark chapter in his life, and it overshadowed much of his earlier success. However, it is important to remember that he was also a dedicated public servant and a respected academic. Ultimately, his legacy will be defined by both his accomplishments and his mistakes.
FAQ
What is the USCIS scam?
The USCIS scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate officials from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and attempt to extort money from unsuspecting victims by threatening them with deportation or other legal consequences.
How does the USCIS scam work?
The USCIS scam typically involves scammers contacting victims via phone, email, or social media and posing as USCIS officials. They may demand payment for supposed immigration violations, threaten arrest or deportation, or ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account details.
Who is Robert Schofield?
Robert Schofield is a former USCIS employee who blew the whistle on a widespread scam within the agency. He uncovered evidence that USCIS officials were accepting bribes from immigration consultants in exchange for approving fraudulent visa applications.
What was Robert Schofield’s legacy?
Robert Schofield’s legacy is one of courage and integrity. His actions exposed corruption within the USCIS and led to the prosecution of several officials involved in the bribery scheme. His whistleblowing also helped to improve the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and protect vulnerable immigrants from exploitation.
