April 01--A Chicago doctor was named Friday in a federal indictment accusing her of diagnosing patients with physical or mental conditions to bypass parts of the testing required for U.S. citizenship.
Jasminka Kostic, 59, and a member of her staff, Nikki Pozdol, 47, were both charged with knowingly making false statements in a document submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.
According to court documents, both women falsely stated in documents that an applicant was unable to read, write or speak English to answer questions regarding U.S. history and civics, even in their own language.
The false documents also certified the applicant had undergone an examination with clinical methods used to diagnose impairments to allow a disability exemption, the release said.
Those seeking to become a naturalized citizen are required to complete and submit a form N-400 to demonstrate they know the English language and have an understanding of U.S. history and civics.
If they are diagnosed with a mental or physical disability, they are eligible for a waiver.
Kostic and Pozdol had worked at a North Side office, according to court documents.
