AVOID IMMIGRATION FRAUD
Dishonest and unethical "notarios" or "immigrant consultants" have victimized the immigrant communities throughout the United States by using false advertising, promising quick-fixes and misrepresenting themselves as authorized and qualified to assist immigrants with their immigration case or concern. They conduct themselves as having knowledge of U.S. Immigration Law and claim to be qualified to assist foreign nationals obtain various immigration benefits, temporary or permanent, but end up doing serious and, oftentimes, irreversible damage to their clients' causes.
The immigrant communities should be aware that these "notarios" are neither attorneys nor valid accredited representatives approved by the U.S. Government through the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to assist aliens with their immigration issues. Unlike licensed attorneys specializing in Immigration Law or accredited representatives, these "notarios" have not completed extensive education and training to help clients with their immigration matters. Dealing with these personalities will most likely endanger an alien's dream of becoming an immigrant by taking his hard-earned money and running away with it leaving him with empty promises. Or, if they do file the immigration paperwork, their lack of training and competence oftentimes result in incorrect filings which cause undue delays, unnecessary fees and/or permanent harm that is shouldered by their clients.
To protect the members of the immigrant communities from immigration scams, the adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is" used by the Better Business Bureau to alert the public to dubious business practices finds useful application. Also, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides tips on how aliens can better protect themselves, such as:
If you believe that you have been a victim of a "notario" unlawfully practicing Immigration Law, click here.
The immigrant communities should be aware that these "notarios" are neither attorneys nor valid accredited representatives approved by the U.S. Government through the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to assist aliens with their immigration issues. Unlike licensed attorneys specializing in Immigration Law or accredited representatives, these "notarios" have not completed extensive education and training to help clients with their immigration matters. Dealing with these personalities will most likely endanger an alien's dream of becoming an immigrant by taking his hard-earned money and running away with it leaving him with empty promises. Or, if they do file the immigration paperwork, their lack of training and competence oftentimes result in incorrect filings which cause undue delays, unnecessary fees and/or permanent harm that is shouldered by their clients.
To protect the members of the immigrant communities from immigration scams, the adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is" used by the Better Business Bureau to alert the public to dubious business practices finds useful application. Also, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides tips on how aliens can better protect themselves, such as:
- Don’t believe it if someone tells you about a secret new immigration law or claims to have connections or special influence with any government office or agency
- Don’t pay money to someone to refer you to an immigration lawyer
- Walk away if an immigration lawyer doesn’t have a license
- Never sign an application that contains false information, and try not to sign blank forms. If you must sign a blank form, make sure you get a copy of the completed form and check to make sure all the information is correct before it is filed
- Always get proof that your papers have been filed–ask for a copy or government filing receipt whenever anything is submitted in your case
- Insist on a written contract that spells out all fees and expenses and make sure you receive a receipt, especially if you pay cash. If terms change, get a written explanation
- Don’t let anyone “find” you a sponsor or spouse to get you a green card–it’s illegal
If you believe that you have been a victim of a "notario" unlawfully practicing Immigration Law, click here.