Greenwich Man Admits Making False Statement On Immigration Matter

GREENWICH, CT — A 43-year-old Greenwich man admitted to lying about his marriage situation in order to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, according to a news release from Leonard C. Boyle, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Patricio Milinik, a citizen of Argentina, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to making "a false statement during an immigration matter."

Milinik faces a maximum prison term of five years. He's currently released pending sentencing on Jan. 3, 2022, Boyle said.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted conditional permanent resident status to Milinik after he had married a U.S. citizen in 2015.

In 2018, Boyle said Milinik petitioned to have the conditions removed to allow him to become a lawful permanent resident and obtain a "green card."

While his petition was pending, a USCIS immigration officer and Homeland Security Investigations special agent visited Milinik and his then-wife at their residence, Boyle said.

During the visit, the immigration officer asked Milinik whether there had been any periods of separation from his wife during their marriage. Milinik falsely denied any period of separation with the exception of occasional work-related travel, according to Boyle.

An investigation found that Milinik and his then-wife were separated for several periods during their marriage, and that Milinik had told other individuals that he was not in a bona fide marriage. Milinik said he only stayed married to his wife in order to obtain his green card, Boyle said.

The matter is being investigated by USCIS and HSI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Nancy V. Gifford.