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TextImmigration Consultant Fraud
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Immigration consultant fraud occurs
when an individual without authority either as a licensed attorney or
as a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited non-lawyer
representative, offers to provide services related to procuring an
immigration benefit for an individual, family, or business. These
individuals call themselves “notarios,” “notario publicos,” “visa
consultants,” “immigration consultants,” “licensiados,” and other
terms in other languages. They take advantage of undocumented
aliens, U.S. business owners, legal permanent residents, and U.S.
citizens. They usually charge fees for their services, but are
not authorized to give legal advice about immigration law.
An alarming number of immigrants in Virginia fall victim to unauthorized immigration consultants. These unauthorized legal consultants typically charge exorbitant fees for services they never provide. By the time a victim discovers that he or she has been defrauded by a notary, it is often too late to repair the damage. As a result of this unauthorized assistance, the immigrant may even lose the opportunity to apply for immigration relief.
What Can I Do to Protect Myself?
Hire only a licensed attorney or a BIA-accredited representative to
give you immigration advice or represent you before any immigration
agency.
An accredited representative is a non-lawyer authorized by the BIA
to provide immigration services on behalf of a non-profit, religious,
charitable, or social service organization. A BIA-accredited
representative’s credentials can be confirmed at http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/statspub/raroster.htm
or ask to see the accreditation certificate.
A licensed attorney is authorized by a state bar to practice law,
but must follow the state bar’s rules. A licensed attorney
should display his bar license.
Ask in your community for references to an accredited representative
or licensed attorney who has a good reputation for helping people
with immigration. Also, take the following precautions:
- Ask how much it will cost for a consultation.
- Verify an attorney’s or accredited representative’s eligibility to represent you.
- Ask what the process is, how long it will take, and what the risks are.
- Ask how you pay. Is it a one-time flat fee? Can you set up a payment plan? Does the attorney or accredited representative charge by the hour?
- Require a written contract of representation and review it carefully. The type of representation and payment terms should be clearly spelled out in a written contract. Take time to read and understand the terms of the contract. You should not feel rushed into the representation.
- Get a receipt when you make a payment.
- Receive copies of all documents prepared or submitted for you.
- Report any representative’s unlawful activity to the Virginia State Bar at the contact information contained below.
- Do not sign papers that are blank or that have not been filled out.
- Do not sign documents that you do not understand.
- Do not sign documents that contain false statements or inaccurate information.
How Do I Report Immigration Consultant Fraud?
To report unlawful activity that may be the unauthorized practice of
law, contact the Virginia State Bar to request an Unauthorized
Practice of Law complaint form:
Ethics Department
Virginia State Bar
707 East Main Street, Suite 1500
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-775-0557
DISCLAIMER: The above information is neither legal advice nor
legal representation. It is provided as a public service by the
Virginia State Bar to inform consumers. If you need legal
advice, you should consult a licensed immigration attorney or a BIA
accredited representative.
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