Doesn’t this give you confidence in our immigration system? The Associated Press reports Officials: LA doctor faked immigrant medical exams:
A Los Angeles doctor has been arrested for allegedly falsifying the results of medical exams for immigrants applying for visas.
Officials say 72-year-old Levon Tebelekian is charged with fraud and making false statements after a joint investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the California Medical Board.
ICE’s Miguel Unzueta says immigrants applying for permanent residency must undergo a medical exam to ensure they don’t have any medical conditions or diseases that could threaten public health.
Investigators say immigrants paid Tebelekian up to $150 to complete the medical examination form, but never saw the doctor.
If convicted, the physician faces up to 80 years in prison.
The local NBC station adds this charming anecdote:
In one case, he allegedly told an undercover ICE agent that he was not going to “disturb his blood” and that he “did not look like he had AIDS,” according to an affidavit.
But why should the doctor be prosecuted? Obama is lifting the ban on immigrants and travelers with HIV/AIDS anyway, as Ann reported last week.