|
Boston, MA -- A local imam, who pleaded guilty to immigration fraud charges, could face deportation at his sentencing in U.S. District Court Thursday.
Muhammad Masood, former spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of New England’s mosque in Sharon, has admitted to lying to immigration officials, after he applied for permanent U.S. citizenship in 2002.
Masood is a citizen of Pakistan, but has lived illegally in the U.S. for at least 20 years.
His arrest in 2006 prompted an outcry from local Muslims, who accused the government of charging the men simply because of their race and ethnicity.
Federal prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of three years probation, with no prison time, though Masood’s guilty plea could lead to deportation. |
