An immigration lawyer who filed asylum documents on behalf of clients while knowing they were ineligible can no longer practice in Texas.
The Texas Attorney General's Office on Friday announced a permanent injunction against Paul A. Esquivel. Authorities identified Esquivel as a now-disbarred attorney who had offices in Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.
State officials sued last September. The judgment filed in San Antonio says Esquivel is permanently banned from any immigration-related matter. He's also fined $750,000 in civil penalties.
Investigators say Esquivel charged consumers thousands of dollars to file asylum applications -- even though he knew they did not qualify.
Authorities say Esquivel did not tell clients that they risked being deported when applying. Investigators say in some cases Esquivel submitted applications without the knowledge of his clients.
