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FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024
A F F I D A V I T
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR being duly sworn, deposes and says,
1. I currently reside at 2275 Morris Avenue Apartment IE, Bronx, New York.
2. In May or June of 2019, a family relative informed me of Kofi Amankwaa's
("Mr. Amankwaa's") se vices. Although I had already spoken to another attorney regarding my
immigration status, my busband insisted that we hire Mr. Amankwaa so that he could help both
of us obtain lawful permanent residence as he had done for my husband's relatives.
3. Shortly after, I visited Mr. Amankwaa's office located at 881 Gerard Avenue
Bronx, New York. I initially spoke to a representative named Celia who spoke Spanish and told
me not to be afraid, assuring me that Mr. Amankwaa would obtain visas for us that would allow
us to travel to Mexico.
4. Mr. Amankwaa initially charged me and my husband $6,000.00 each, which he
agreed to accept in two payments: one during the first visit and the second when he submitted the
final application.
5. Mr. Amakwaa informed us that in order to apply for lawful permanent residency,
my husband and I would first have to obtain a travel permit. Then, per Mr. Amankwaa's
instructions, my husband and I would need to leave the country and then re-enter.
6. First, he instructed us to obtain fingerprints from the police department to ensure
that neither my husband nor I had a criminal record. When we submitted those documents to Mr.
Amankwaa, he instructed us to visit a medical professional that he selected so that we could
complete a medical evaluation. He instructed us to refrain from opening the medical records
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once we received them, and to mail the sealed envelope directly to the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services ("USCIS").
7. In October 2020, USCIS granted my husband a travel permit. Mr. Amankwaa
informed my husband that he had two options: refrain from applying for lawful permanent
residence and renew his travel permit annually, allowing him to travel to and from Mexico, or
apply for lawful permanent residence, but refrain from leaving the United States after re-entry.
8. My husband traveled to Mexico on his own for about two weeks. While he was
there, I received my travel permit and I subsequently travelled to Mexico to meet him there. I
landed in Mexico and returned to the United States the next day.
9. During our departure from Mexico, my husband and I experienced no issues with
Mexican authorities regarding our travel permit. When we landed in the United States, United
States Customs and Border Patrol ("United States Customs") took a while to review our
documents, but ultimately allowed us to enter.
10. United States Customs stamped our documents. Mr. Amankwaa previously
mentioned that this stamp would be sufficient for my husband and I to apply for residence.
11. Upon our return, Mr. Amankawaa urged my husband and I to begin our lawful
permanent resident applications as soon as possible. Shortly after, we submitted all of the
relevant paperwork and Mr. Amankwaa informed us to wait for a response from USCIS.
12. Mr. Amankwaa did not explain which types of forms he submitted to USCIS on
our behalf or the basis of our eligibility.
13. At this time, Mr. Amankwaa requested the second payment of $3,000.00 each.
However, I was growing suspicious because I noticed that his other clients regularly visited the
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office to complain about how they never received the immigration benefits they were promised.
As a result, I refused to pay the full amount, and instead, only paid $1,500.00 for each of us.
14. Approximately three to four months later, Mr. Amankwaa received a letter at his
office addressed to my husband. The letter provided details for an upcoming interview regarding
my husband's immigration application. Mr. Amankwaa told my husband that he would
accompany him to this interview.
15. Before the interview, Mr. Amankwaa provided my husband with a script. Mr.
Amankwaa instructed my husband, if asked, to tell the immigration officer that he was a victim
of abuse by my son, Luis Anthony Ramales ("Luis").
16. My son has never abused me or my husband.
17. My husband informed me of Mr. Amankwaa's instructions, and I told him that I
refused to participate in a lie. I warned him that if Mr. Amankwaa wanted us to lie, then he could
not be trusted. My husband was convinced that he should follow Mr. Amankwaa's advice
because Mr. Amankwaa was a legal professional.
18. My son, Luis, was devasted and infuriated, worried that these false allegations
would put his personal and professional life in jeopardy.
19. Mr. Amankwaa failed to appear for the interview.
20. The immigration officer asked for my son, Luis, because he was listed as the
sponsor for me and my husband. My husband called Luis and urged him to meet him at the
interview, so Luis joined him.
21. Luis refused to lie to the immigration officer about having abused my husband.
The immigration officer warned my husband that if he was dishonest, his application would be
denied. My husband became emotional and did not know how to respond because of the
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instructions provided to him by Mr. Amankwaa. My husband's application was ultimately
denied.
22. After my husband's interview, my other son, Daniel Ramales ("Daniel"), and I
contacted Mr. Amankwaa to understand whether my application was also at risk.
23. Mr. Amankwaa assured me and Daniel that my application did not contain false
allegations of abuse. Mr. Amankwaa even advised that I return to his office and submit another
application.
24. I refused to use Mr. Amankwaa's services any longer and hired another lawyer at
South Bronx United.
25. In May 2023, Mr. Amankwaa called me to inform that USCIS mailed a letter to
his office that was addressed to me and instructed me to visit his office. I did not visit his office
because I did not want to work with him any longer.
26. On May 9, 2023, Mr. Amankwaa called me again to inform me that I had an
interview scheduled with an immigration officer. He initially claimed that the interview was
scheduled for 9:00 pm that same day. This seemed strange to me; I was not sure if I was
misunderstanding the details because of the langliage barrier between us. He then told me that
my interview was scheduled for 5:00 pm that same day.
27. I advised Daniel to call Mr. Amankwaa to clarify the time of the interview. Mr.
Amankwaa informed Daniel that he would forward him the letter with the details. After my son
received the letter, we learned that the interview was actually scheduled for 10:00 am that day.
At that point, it was well after 10:00 am.
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28. I am now having to work with a new attorney in an attempt to void the application
that Mr. Amankwaa filed on my behalf because he could not guarantee that my application did
not contain false statements. Additionally, I do not trust him.
29. Mr. Amankwaa did not return the $4,500.00 that I paid for his services.
30. I know other people who still rely on Mr. Amankwaa's legal immigration services
because he is well known for obtaining immigration relief for undocumented people.
31. I am seeking a prompt investigation into Mr. Amankwaa's immigration practice
and a refund for his poor services.
GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR
Sworn to before me this Z I
day of ǣctWr , 2023
KURTIS ROBERT FALCONE
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF NEW YORK
Registration No. 02FA6429333
NOTARY LIC
Qualified in New Yor Co ty
2 2-(p
My Commission Expires: 14
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DECLARACIÓN JURADA
ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK )
) ss:
CONDADO DE NUEVA YORK )
GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR tras hacer el debido juramento, declara y dice,
1. Actualmente vivo en 2275 Morris Avenue departamento 1E, Bronx, Nueva York.
2. En mayo o junio de 2019, un familiar me informó sobre los servicios de Kofi
Amankwaa ("Sr. Amankwaa"). Aunque ya había hablado con otro abogado sobre mi situación
migratoria, mi esposo insistió en que contratáramos al Sr. Amankwaa para que pudiera
ayudarnos a ambos a obtener la residencia legal permanente, como lo había hecho con los
parientes de mi esposo.
3. Poco después visité la oficina del Sr. Amankwaa, situada en 881 Gerard Avenue
Bronx, Nueva York. Inicialmente hablé con una representante llamada Celia, quien hablaba
español y me dijo que no temiera, ya que me aseguró que el Sr. Amankwaa nos conseguiría visas
que nos permitirían viajar a México.
4. El Sr. Amankwaa inicialmente nos cobró a mi esposo y a mi $6,000.00 a cada
uno, que aceptó recibir en dos pagos: uno durante la primera visita y el segundo cuando enviara
la solicitud definitiva.
5. El Sr. Amankwaa nos informó que para solicitar la residencia legal permanente,
mi esposo y yo primero tendríamos que conseguir un permiso de viaje. Después, de acuerdo con
las instrucciones del Sr. Amankwaa, mi esposo y yo tendríamos que salir del país y luego
reingresar.
6. Primero nos pidió obtener nuestras huellas dactilares del departamento de policía,
para asegurarse de que ni mi esposo ni yo tuviéramos antecedentes penales. Cuando le
FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E
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entregamos esos documentos al Sr. Amankwaa, nos pidió visitar a un profesional médico de su
elección para someternos a un examen médico. Nos indicó que no abriéramos los registros
médicos después de recibirlos, y que enviáramos el sobre sellado directamente al Servicio de
Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos ("USCIS").
7. En octubre de 2020, el USCIS le concedió un permiso de viaje a mi esposo. El Sr.
Amankwaa le informó a mi esposo que tenía dos opciones: abstenerse de solicitar su residencial
legal permanente y renovar su permiso de viaje cada año, lo que le permitiría viajar entre los
Estados Unidos y México, o solicitar la residencial legal permanente, pero abstenerse de salir de
los Estados Unidos después de reingresar.
8. Mi esposo viajó solo a México por unas dos semanas. Mientras estaba ahí, recibió
mi permiso de viaje y después viajé a México para reunirme con él. Aterricé en México y regresé
a Estados Unidos al día siguiente.
9. Durante nuestra salida de México, mi esposo y yo no tuvimos problemas con las
autoridades mexicanas respecto a nuestro permiso de viaje. Cuando aterrizamos en Estados
Unidos, Aduanas y Vigilancia Fronteriza de Estados Unidos ("Aduanas de Estados Unidos")
tomó algo de tiempo para revisar nuestros documentos, pero al final nos permitió ingresar.
10. En las Aduanas de Estados Unidos sellaron nuestros documentos. El Sr.
Amankwaa mencionó previamente que ese sello sería suficiente para que mi esposo y yo
solicitáramos la residencia.
11. Después de nuestro regreso, el Sr. Amankwaa nos pidió a mi esposo y a mí que
iniciáramos nuestras solicitudes de residencia legal permanente lo antes posible. Poco después
enviamos todos los documentos pertinentes, y el Sr. Amankwaa nos indicó que esperáramos una
respuesta del USCIS.
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12. El Sr. Amankwaa no nos explicó los tipos de formularios que entregó al USCIS
en nuestro nombre, ni los fundamentos de nuestra elegibilidad.
13. En esa ocasión, el Sr. Amankwaa nos pidió el segundo pago de $3,000.00 cada
uno. Sin embargo, yo sentía cada vez más sospechas, porque observé que sus otros clientes
visitaban la oficina con regularidad para quejarse de que nunca recibieron los beneficios de
inmigración que se les prometieron. Por lo tanto, me negué a pagar el importe completo, y en
cambio le pagué solamente $1,500.00 por cada uno.
14. Aproximadamente tres o cuatro meses después, el Sr. Amankwaa recibió en su
oficina una carta dirigida a mi esposo. La carta contenía los detalles de una entrevista próxima
referente a la solicitud de inmigración de mi esposo. El Sr. Amankwaa le dijo a mi esposo que lo
acompafiaría a la entrevista.
15. Antes de la entrevista, el Sr. Amankwaa le entregó un guion a mi esposo. El Sr.
Amankwaa le indicó a mi esposo que, en caso de que se lo preguntaran, le dijera al oficial de
inmigración que era víctima de maltrato cometido por mi hijo, Luis Anthony Ramales ("Luis").
16. Mi hijo nunca nos ha maltratado, ni a mí, ni a mi esposo.
17. Mi esposo me informó sobre las instrucciones del Sr. Amankwaa y le dije que me
negaba a participar en una mentira. Le advertí que si el Sr. Amankwaa quería que mintiéramos,
no era digno de confianza. Mi esposo estaba convencido de que debía seguir el consejo del Sr.
Amankwaa porque el Sr. Amankwaa era un profesional del derecho.
18. Mi hijo, Luis, se sintió desconsolado y furioso, y le preocupaba que esas
acusaciones falsas pusieran en riesgo su vida personal y profesional.
19. El Sr. Amankwaa no acudió a la entrevista.
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m
20. El oficial de inmigración preguntó por mi hijo Luis, porque aparecía como mi
patrocinador y como patrocinador de mi esposo. Mi esposo llamó a Luis y le pidió que acudiera a
la entrevista, así que Luis acudió.
21. Luis se negó a mentirle al oficial de inmigración acerca de haber maltratado a mi
esposo. El oficial de inmigración le advirtió a mi esposo que, si no era sincero, su solicitud sería
denegada. Mi esposo se sintió abrumado por las emociones y no supo qué responder, debido a las
instrucciones que le dio el Sr. Amankwaa. La solicitud de mi esposo finalmente fue denegada.
22. Después de la entrevistade mi esposo, mi otro hijo, Daniel Ramales ("Daniel") y
yo contactamos al Sr. Amankwaa para averiguar si mi solicitud también estaba en riesgo.
23. El Sr. Amankwaa nos aseguró a Daniel y a mí que mi solicitud no contenía
acusaciones falsas de maltrato. El Sr. Amankwaa incluso me recomendó regresar a su oficina y
presentar otra solicitud.
24. Me negué a seguir usando los servicios del Sr. Amankwaa y contraté a otro
abogado en South Bronx United.
25. En mayo de 2023, el Sr. Amankwaa me llamó para informarme que el USCIS
envió una carta a su oficina que estaba dirigida a mi persona y me pidió visitar su oficina. No
visité su oficina, porque ya no quería trabajar con él.
26. El 9 de mayo de 2023, el Sr. Amankwaa me llamó de nuevo para informarme que
tenía una entrevista con un oficial de inmigración. Inicialmente dijo que la cita era a las 9:00
p.m. de ese mismo día. Eso me pareció extraño; pensé que quizá no estaba entendiendo los
detalles debido a la barrera del idioma entre nosotros. Después me dijo que mi entrevista estaba
programada para las 5:00 p.m. de ese mismo día.
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27. Le dije a Daniel que llamara al Sr. Amankwaa para aclarar la hora de la
entrevista. El Sr. Amankwaa informó a Daniel que le reenviaría la carta con los detalles. Después
de que mi hijo recibió la carta, vimos que la entrevista en realidad estaba programada para las
10:00 a.m. de ese mismo día. En ese momento ya habían pasado las 10:00 a.m.
28. Ahora he tenido que trabajar con un nuevo abogado para intentar anular la
solicitud que el Sr. Amankwaa presentó en mi nombre, porque no pudo garantizarme que mi
solicitud no contuviera declaraciones falsas. Además, no confío en él.
29. El Sr. Amankwaa no devolvió los $4,500.00 que pagué por sus servicios.
30. Conozco a otras personas que aún confían en los servicios de inmigración legal
del Sr. Amankwaa, porque es conocido por ayudar en la inmigración de las personas
indocumentadas.
31. Solicito la investigación pronta de las prácticas de inmigración del Sr. Amankwaa
y un reembolso por sus servicios deficientes.
C¾Jww %W--r
GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR
Jurado en mi presencia este día 2 /
de dIOeue,-t de 2023
KURTIS ROBERT FALCONE
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF NEW YORK
Registration No. 02FA6429333
OTA Qualified in New York nty
My Commission Expires: 2 24,
5
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NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024
Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Uscis
Form I-360
Department of Homeland Security OMB No. 1615-0020
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Expires 04/30/2020
Fe ÚSC se \ o n behalf)
I certify or attest under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the contents of this attestation,
and the evidence submitted, are true and correct.
14. Signature of an Authorized Official of the Prospective Employer (sign in ink) Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Form I-360 04/12/18 Page 1I of 19
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NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024
Part 9. Complete Only If Filing a Special Immigrant Religious Worker Petition (continued)
Printed Name and Title of Signa'toà for Prospective Employer
15, Family Name (Last Name) Given Name (First Name) Middle Name
16. Title of the Signatory
17. Employer/Organization Name
Street Number and Name Apt. Ste. Fir. Number
OOD
City or Town State ZIP Code
Contact1nformation
18. Daytime Telephone Number 19. Fax Number (if any)
20. Email Address (if any)
Religious enominatiots t ¬tion (to be completeü ly if the prospectiv Ä eàplo r is ¿rff liiateå witit .
f .CeÏtif Â
religious denominaiion) .
I certify under penalty of perjury, that the prospective employer,
is affiliated with this Religious Denomination, , and that the attesting
religious organization within the religious denomination is tax-exempt as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal Revenue Code. The contents of this certification a e true and
correct to the best of my knowledge.
21. Signatu e of the Authorized Representative of the Religious Denomination (sign in ink) Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Prikt d ÑCh9 aisiTitle of the Èi!nutory of t/siReligiouthenomination
. Given Name (First Name)
22. Famjly Name (Last Name) Middle Name
23. Title of the Signatory
Form 1-360 04/12/18 Page 12 of 19
FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024
Part 9, Complete Only Ifxiling a Special ImmigrantReligious.Worker Pet ion (continued)
24. Name of Attesting Relig ous Organization Within the Religious Denomination
25. Street Number and Name Apt. Ste. Fir. Number
OOD
City or Town State ZIP Code
26. Daytime Telephone Number 27. Fax Number (if any)
28. Email Address (if any) 29. IRS Tax Number of the Attesting Religious Organization
liletéÖnl^Æ fi aVA‚ elf sing pðÎEo id eWESüitlitd
LawfW1Re manent Resident.õS d AS/A:Self-Petitioningfarent of a U.S tizen(Son.or.Daughter
NOTE: For the safety and protection of all VAWA scIf-petitioners, information regarding a filing will only be provided to the
self-petitioner or their designated attorney or representative with a valid Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as
Attorney or Accredited Representative.
1. Full Name of U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Abuser
Family Name (Last Name)
Preview
FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 A F F I D A V I T STATE OF NEW YORK ) ) ss: COUNTY OF NEW YORK ) GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR being duly sworn, deposes and says, 1. I currently reside at 2275 Morris Avenue Apartment IE, Bronx, New York. 2. In May or June of 2019, a family relative informed me of Kofi Amankwaa's ("Mr. Amankwaa's") se vices. Although I had already spoken to another attorney regarding my immigration status, my busband insisted that we hire Mr. Amankwaa so that he could help both of us obtain lawful permanent residence as he had done for my husband's relatives. 3. Shortly after, I visited Mr. Amankwaa's office located at 881 Gerard Avenue Bronx, New York. I initially spoke to a representative named Celia who spoke Spanish and told me not to be afraid, assuring me that Mr. Amankwaa would obtain visas for us that would allow us to travel to Mexico. 4. Mr. Amankwaa initially charged me and my husband $6,000.00 each, which he agreed to accept in two payments: one during the first visit and the second when he submitted the final application. 5. Mr. Amakwaa informed us that in order to apply for lawful permanent residency, my husband and I would first have to obtain a travel permit. Then, per Mr. Amankwaa's instructions, my husband and I would need to leave the country and then re-enter. 6. First, he instructed us to obtain fingerprints from the police department to ensure that neither my husband nor I had a criminal record. When we submitted those documents to Mr. Amankwaa, he instructed us to visit a medical professional that he selected so that we could complete a medical evaluation. He instructed us to refrain from opening the medical records FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 once we received them, and to mail the sealed envelope directly to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS"). 7. In October 2020, USCIS granted my husband a travel permit. Mr. Amankwaa informed my husband that he had two options: refrain from applying for lawful permanent residence and renew his travel permit annually, allowing him to travel to and from Mexico, or apply for lawful permanent residence, but refrain from leaving the United States after re-entry. 8. My husband traveled to Mexico on his own for about two weeks. While he was there, I received my travel permit and I subsequently travelled to Mexico to meet him there. I landed in Mexico and returned to the United States the next day. 9. During our departure from Mexico, my husband and I experienced no issues with Mexican authorities regarding our travel permit. When we landed in the United States, United States Customs and Border Patrol ("United States Customs") took a while to review our documents, but ultimately allowed us to enter. 10. United States Customs stamped our documents. Mr. Amankwaa previously mentioned that this stamp would be sufficient for my husband and I to apply for residence. 11. Upon our return, Mr. Amankawaa urged my husband and I to begin our lawful permanent resident applications as soon as possible. Shortly after, we submitted all of the relevant paperwork and Mr. Amankwaa informed us to wait for a response from USCIS. 12. Mr. Amankwaa did not explain which types of forms he submitted to USCIS on our behalf or the basis of our eligibility. 13. At this time, Mr. Amankwaa requested the second payment of $3,000.00 each. However, I was growing suspicious because I noticed that his other clients regularly visited the 2 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 office to complain about how they never received the immigration benefits they were promised. As a result, I refused to pay the full amount, and instead, only paid $1,500.00 for each of us. 14. Approximately three to four months later, Mr. Amankwaa received a letter at his office addressed to my husband. The letter provided details for an upcoming interview regarding my husband's immigration application. Mr. Amankwaa told my husband that he would accompany him to this interview. 15. Before the interview, Mr. Amankwaa provided my husband with a script. Mr. Amankwaa instructed my husband, if asked, to tell the immigration officer that he was a victim of abuse by my son, Luis Anthony Ramales ("Luis"). 16. My son has never abused me or my husband. 17. My husband informed me of Mr. Amankwaa's instructions, and I told him that I refused to participate in a lie. I warned him that if Mr. Amankwaa wanted us to lie, then he could not be trusted. My husband was convinced that he should follow Mr. Amankwaa's advice because Mr. Amankwaa was a legal professional. 18. My son, Luis, was devasted and infuriated, worried that these false allegations would put his personal and professional life in jeopardy. 19. Mr. Amankwaa failed to appear for the interview. 20. The immigration officer asked for my son, Luis, because he was listed as the sponsor for me and my husband. My husband called Luis and urged him to meet him at the interview, so Luis joined him. 21. Luis refused to lie to the immigration officer about having abused my husband. The immigration officer warned my husband that if he was dishonest, his application would be denied. My husband became emotional and did not know how to respond because of the 3 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 instructions provided to him by Mr. Amankwaa. My husband's application was ultimately denied. 22. After my husband's interview, my other son, Daniel Ramales ("Daniel"), and I contacted Mr. Amankwaa to understand whether my application was also at risk. 23. Mr. Amankwaa assured me and Daniel that my application did not contain false allegations of abuse. Mr. Amankwaa even advised that I return to his office and submit another application. 24. I refused to use Mr. Amankwaa's services any longer and hired another lawyer at South Bronx United. 25. In May 2023, Mr. Amankwaa called me to inform that USCIS mailed a letter to his office that was addressed to me and instructed me to visit his office. I did not visit his office because I did not want to work with him any longer. 26. On May 9, 2023, Mr. Amankwaa called me again to inform me that I had an interview scheduled with an immigration officer. He initially claimed that the interview was scheduled for 9:00 pm that same day. This seemed strange to me; I was not sure if I was misunderstanding the details because of the langliage barrier between us. He then told me that my interview was scheduled for 5:00 pm that same day. 27. I advised Daniel to call Mr. Amankwaa to clarify the time of the interview. Mr. Amankwaa informed Daniel that he would forward him the letter with the details. After my son received the letter, we learned that the interview was actually scheduled for 10:00 am that day. At that point, it was well after 10:00 am. 4 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 28. I am now having to work with a new attorney in an attempt to void the application that Mr. Amankwaa filed on my behalf because he could not guarantee that my application did not contain false statements. Additionally, I do not trust him. 29. Mr. Amankwaa did not return the $4,500.00 that I paid for his services. 30. I know other people who still rely on Mr. Amankwaa's legal immigration services because he is well known for obtaining immigration relief for undocumented people. 31. I am seeking a prompt investigation into Mr. Amankwaa's immigration practice and a refund for his poor services. GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR Sworn to before me this Z I day of Ç£ctWr , 2023 KURTIS ROBERT FALCONE NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF NEW YORK Registration No. 02FA6429333 NOTARY LIC Qualified in New Yor Co ty 2 2-(p My Commission Expires: 14 5 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 DECLARACIÓN JURADA ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK ) ) ss: CONDADO DE NUEVA YORK ) GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR tras hacer el debido juramento, declara y dice, 1. Actualmente vivo en 2275 Morris Avenue departamento 1E, Bronx, Nueva York. 2. En mayo o junio de 2019, un familiar me informó sobre los servicios de Kofi Amankwaa ("Sr. Amankwaa"). Aunque ya había hablado con otro abogado sobre mi situación migratoria, mi esposo insistió en que contratáramos al Sr. Amankwaa para que pudiera ayudarnos a ambos a obtener la residencia legal permanente, como lo había hecho con los parientes de mi esposo. 3. Poco después visité la oficina del Sr. Amankwaa, situada en 881 Gerard Avenue Bronx, Nueva York. Inicialmente hablé con una representante llamada Celia, quien hablaba español y me dijo que no temiera, ya que me aseguró que el Sr. Amankwaa nos conseguiría visas que nos permitirían viajar a México. 4. El Sr. Amankwaa inicialmente nos cobró a mi esposo y a mi $6,000.00 a cada uno, que aceptó recibir en dos pagos: uno durante la primera visita y el segundo cuando enviara la solicitud definitiva. 5. El Sr. Amankwaa nos informó que para solicitar la residencia legal permanente, mi esposo y yo primero tendríamos que conseguir un permiso de viaje. Después, de acuerdo con las instrucciones del Sr. Amankwaa, mi esposo y yo tendríamos que salir del país y luego reingresar. 6. Primero nos pidió obtener nuestras huellas dactilares del departamento de policía, para asegurarse de que ni mi esposo ni yo tuviéramos antecedentes penales. Cuando le FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 entregamos esos documentos al Sr. Amankwaa, nos pidió visitar a un profesional médico de su elección para someternos a un examen médico. Nos indicó que no abriéramos los registros médicos después de recibirlos, y que enviáramos el sobre sellado directamente al Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos ("USCIS"). 7. En octubre de 2020, el USCIS le concedió un permiso de viaje a mi esposo. El Sr. Amankwaa le informó a mi esposo que tenía dos opciones: abstenerse de solicitar su residencial legal permanente y renovar su permiso de viaje cada año, lo que le permitiría viajar entre los Estados Unidos y México, o solicitar la residencial legal permanente, pero abstenerse de salir de los Estados Unidos después de reingresar. 8. Mi esposo viajó solo a México por unas dos semanas. Mientras estaba ahí, recibió mi permiso de viaje y después viajé a México para reunirme con él. Aterricé en México y regresé a Estados Unidos al día siguiente. 9. Durante nuestra salida de México, mi esposo y yo no tuvimos problemas con las autoridades mexicanas respecto a nuestro permiso de viaje. Cuando aterrizamos en Estados Unidos, Aduanas y Vigilancia Fronteriza de Estados Unidos ("Aduanas de Estados Unidos") tomó algo de tiempo para revisar nuestros documentos, pero al final nos permitió ingresar. 10. En las Aduanas de Estados Unidos sellaron nuestros documentos. El Sr. Amankwaa mencionó previamente que ese sello sería suficiente para que mi esposo y yo solicitáramos la residencia. 11. Después de nuestro regreso, el Sr. Amankwaa nos pidió a mi esposo y a mí que iniciáramos nuestras solicitudes de residencia legal permanente lo antes posible. Poco después enviamos todos los documentos pertinentes, y el Sr. Amankwaa nos indicó que esperáramos una respuesta del USCIS. 2 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 12. El Sr. Amankwaa no nos explicó los tipos de formularios que entregó al USCIS en nuestro nombre, ni los fundamentos de nuestra elegibilidad. 13. En esa ocasión, el Sr. Amankwaa nos pidió el segundo pago de $3,000.00 cada uno. Sin embargo, yo sentía cada vez más sospechas, porque observé que sus otros clientes visitaban la oficina con regularidad para quejarse de que nunca recibieron los beneficios de inmigración que se les prometieron. Por lo tanto, me negué a pagar el importe completo, y en cambio le pagué solamente $1,500.00 por cada uno. 14. Aproximadamente tres o cuatro meses después, el Sr. Amankwaa recibió en su oficina una carta dirigida a mi esposo. La carta contenía los detalles de una entrevista próxima referente a la solicitud de inmigración de mi esposo. El Sr. Amankwaa le dijo a mi esposo que lo acompafiaría a la entrevista. 15. Antes de la entrevista, el Sr. Amankwaa le entregó un guion a mi esposo. El Sr. Amankwaa le indicó a mi esposo que, en caso de que se lo preguntaran, le dijera al oficial de inmigración que era víctima de maltrato cometido por mi hijo, Luis Anthony Ramales ("Luis"). 16. Mi hijo nunca nos ha maltratado, ni a mí, ni a mi esposo. 17. Mi esposo me informó sobre las instrucciones del Sr. Amankwaa y le dije que me negaba a participar en una mentira. Le advertí que si el Sr. Amankwaa quería que mintiéramos, no era digno de confianza. Mi esposo estaba convencido de que debía seguir el consejo del Sr. Amankwaa porque el Sr. Amankwaa era un profesional del derecho. 18. Mi hijo, Luis, se sintió desconsolado y furioso, y le preocupaba que esas acusaciones falsas pusieran en riesgo su vida personal y profesional. 19. El Sr. Amankwaa no acudió a la entrevista. 3 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 m 20. El oficial de inmigración preguntó por mi hijo Luis, porque aparecía como mi patrocinador y como patrocinador de mi esposo. Mi esposo llamó a Luis y le pidió que acudiera a la entrevista, así que Luis acudió. 21. Luis se negó a mentirle al oficial de inmigración acerca de haber maltratado a mi esposo. El oficial de inmigración le advirtió a mi esposo que, si no era sincero, su solicitud sería denegada. Mi esposo se sintió abrumado por las emociones y no supo qué responder, debido a las instrucciones que le dio el Sr. Amankwaa. La solicitud de mi esposo finalmente fue denegada. 22. Después de la entrevistade mi esposo, mi otro hijo, Daniel Ramales ("Daniel") y yo contactamos al Sr. Amankwaa para averiguar si mi solicitud también estaba en riesgo. 23. El Sr. Amankwaa nos aseguró a Daniel y a mí que mi solicitud no contenía acusaciones falsas de maltrato. El Sr. Amankwaa incluso me recomendó regresar a su oficina y presentar otra solicitud. 24. Me negué a seguir usando los servicios del Sr. Amankwaa y contraté a otro abogado en South Bronx United. 25. En mayo de 2023, el Sr. Amankwaa me llamó para informarme que el USCIS envió una carta a su oficina que estaba dirigida a mi persona y me pidió visitar su oficina. No visité su oficina, porque ya no quería trabajar con él. 26. El 9 de mayo de 2023, el Sr. Amankwaa me llamó de nuevo para informarme que tenía una entrevista con un oficial de inmigración. Inicialmente dijo que la cita era a las 9:00 p.m. de ese mismo día. Eso me pareció extraño; pensé que quizá no estaba entendiendo los detalles debido a la barrera del idioma entre nosotros. Después me dijo que mi entrevista estaba programada para las 5:00 p.m. de ese mismo día. 4 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 27. Le dije a Daniel que llamara al Sr. Amankwaa para aclarar la hora de la entrevista. El Sr. Amankwaa informó a Daniel que le reenviaría la carta con los detalles. Después de que mi hijo recibió la carta, vimos que la entrevista en realidad estaba programada para las 10:00 a.m. de ese mismo día. En ese momento ya habían pasado las 10:00 a.m. 28. Ahora he tenido que trabajar con un nuevo abogado para intentar anular la solicitud que el Sr. Amankwaa presentó en mi nombre, porque no pudo garantizarme que mi solicitud no contuviera declaraciones falsas. Además, no confío en él. 29. El Sr. Amankwaa no devolvió los $4,500.00 que pagué por sus servicios. 30. Conozco a otras personas que aún confían en los servicios de inmigración legal del Sr. Amankwaa, porque es conocido por ayudar en la inmigración de las personas indocumentadas. 31. Solicito la investigación pronta de las prácticas de inmigración del Sr. Amankwaa y un reembolso por sus servicios deficientes. C¾Jww %W--r GABRIELLA TORRES SALAZAR Jurado en mi presencia este día 2 / de dIOeue,-t de 2023 KURTIS ROBERT FALCONE NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF NEW YORK Registration No. 02FA6429333 OTA Qualified in New York nty My Commission Expires: 2 24, 5 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Uscis Form I-360 Department of Homeland Security OMB No. 1615-0020 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Expires 04/30/2020 Fe ÚSC se \ o n behalf) I certify or attest under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the contents of this attestation, and the evidence submitted, are true and correct. 14. Signature of an Authorized Official of the Prospective Employer (sign in ink) Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy) Form I-360 04/12/18 Page 1I of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 Part 9. Complete Only If Filing a Special Immigrant Religious Worker Petition (continued) Printed Name and Title of Signa'toà for Prospective Employer 15, Family Name (Last Name) Given Name (First Name) Middle Name 16. Title of the Signatory 17. Employer/Organization Name Street Number and Name Apt. Ste. Fir. Number OOD City or Town State ZIP Code Contact1nformation 18. Daytime Telephone Number 19. Fax Number (if any) 20. Email Address (if any) Religious enominatiots t ¬tion (to be completeü ly if the prospectiv Ä eàplo r is ¿rff liiateå witit . f .CeÏtif  religious denominaiion) . I certify under penalty of perjury, that the prospective employer, is affiliated with this Religious Denomination, , and that the attesting religious organization within the religious denomination is tax-exempt as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal Revenue Code. The contents of this certification a e true and correct to the best of my knowledge. 21. Signatu e of the Authorized Representative of the Religious Denomination (sign in ink) Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy) Prikt d ÑCh9 aisiTitle of the Èi!nutory of t/siReligiouthenomination . Given Name (First Name) 22. Famjly Name (Last Name) Middle Name 23. Title of the Signatory Form 1-360 04/12/18 Page 12 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 01/22/2024 10:00 AM INDEX NO. 801163/2024E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 24 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/22/2024 Part 9, Complete Only Ifxiling a Special ImmigrantReligious.Worker Pet ion (continued) 24. Name of Attesting Relig ous Organization Within the Religious Denomination 25. Street Number and Name Apt. Ste. Fir. Number OOD City or Town State ZIP Code 26. Daytime Telephone Number 27. Fax Number (if any) 28. Email Address (if any) 29. IRS Tax Number of the Attesting Religious Organization liletéÖnl^Æ fi aVA‚ elf sing pðÎEo id eWESüitlitd LawfW1Re manent Resident.õS d AS/A:Self-Petitioningfarent of a U.S tizen(Son.or.Daughter NOTE: For the safety and protection of all VAWA scIf-petitioners, information regarding a filing will only be provided to the self-petitioner or their designated attorney or representative with a valid Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. 1. Full Name of U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Abuser Family Name (Last Name)