Los Angeles: In a startling case of immigration fraud and drug misuse, Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, from Nipomo, California, pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025, to misusing doctors' identities to create fraudulent medical documents for green card applicants and illegally obtaining prescription drugs using a deceased physician's credentials.
Woods ran a clinic in Arroyo Grande under the misleading name “Medical Weight Loss and Immigration Services,” where she submitted at least 328 forged medical forms to U.S. immigration authorities.
Key Facts:
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Woods admitted to forging over 328 medical examination forms required for green card applications, falsely using the identities of three physicians.
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She utilized a deceased doctor's DEA registration number to order over 150,000 tablets of controlled substances, including testosterone, codeine, and alprazolam (Xanax).
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A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 31, 2025, where Woods faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each count.
The fraudulent scheme unraveled when authorities discovered that Woods had been submitting medical forms without any licensed doctors present.
She not only forged physician signatures but also conducted unauthorized immigration medical exams herself—flagrantly violating federal rules.
The scheme endangered applicants’ legal standing while potentially exposing them to incorrect or incomplete medical assessments.
Community members, especially immigrants trying to navigate the green card process legally, voiced concern and frustration.
This breach of trust is particularly alarming for many South Asian immigrants, who often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations for such sensitive procedures.
Officials warn that fraud like this can jeopardize immigration status and lead to long-term legal consequences.
Woods' actions have broader implications beyond immigration fraud.
By misusing a deceased doctor’s DEA credentials, she illegally ordered and distributed powerful drugs—raising public health and safety concerns.
The incident calls attention to vulnerabilities in both immigration and medical regulatory systems that need urgent tightening.
"This kind of fraudulent conduct undermines the integrity of our nation’s immigration system," said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally.
He emphasized that protecting the public from both immigration and drug-related fraud remains a top priority for federal prosecutors.
What Is Form I-693 and Why It Matters
If you're applying for a green card (lawful permanent residence) in the U.S., Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is a vital step.
It confirms that applicants meet health-related standards and aren’t inadmissible to the U.S. on medical grounds.
Here’s what you need to know:
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Medical Checkup: A designated civil surgeon performs the exam, checking for diseases like tuberculosis, verifying vaccinations, and screening for physical or mental disorders.
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Authorized Doctors Only: Only USCIS-approved civil surgeons can fill out and sign this form. Submitting a form signed by an unauthorized person can cause delays or rejection.
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Validity: The form is generally valid for two years if submitted within 60 days of the doctor’s signature—but always check USCIS for the latest rules.
Advice to the Indian Diaspora and Desi South Asians: Never rely on friends, ads, or social media to find a doctor for your green card medical exam.
Visit the official uscis.gov website and use the “Find a Doctor” tool to locate an authorized civil surgeon near you.
Avoiding shortcuts here could protect your legal future in the U.S.
Do You Know?
USCIS requires the civil surgeon who performs the exam to seal Form I-693 in an envelope before it's submitted—if you open it after it’s sealed, USCIS will reject the form. (Source: USCIS Form I-693 Instructions)
Key Terms:
Form I-693: A required immigration form documenting results of a medical exam for green card applicants, verifying health eligibility.
Civil Surgeon: A physician approved by USCIS to conduct immigration-related medical exams and complete Form I-693.
DEA Registration Number: A unique number assigned by the Drug Enforcement Administration to authorized doctors to prescribe controlled substances.
Green Card: The informal term for a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, which allows non-citizens to live and work in the U.S. permanently.