A federal court in Southern California has revoked the U.S. citizenship of a Chinese couple, Li Chen and Yu Zhou, due to their involvement in stealing medical trade secrets prior to and during their naturalization process. The couple, who immigrated as ’extraordinary ability’ individuals, were found to lack the ‘good moral character’ required for citizenship after a Department of Justice investigation revealed their criminal activities.
Key Details:
- The couple was previously employed at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio for over ten years.
- They were convicted in 2019 for conspiracy to steal trade secrets and telecommunications fraud, receiving sentences of 30 and 33 months in prison, respectively.
- The court’s decision was based on the principle of ‘crimes involving moral turpitude,’ which disqualifies individuals from citizenship if they fail to disclose criminal behavior during the application process.
- The couple faces the risk of deportation and may be sent to a third country if their home country refuses to accept them.
This ruling highlights the ongoing efforts by the Department of Justice to enforce immigration laws regarding citizenship and moral character. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: 1Point3Acres User