Beware of Shady Immigration Consultants and Immigration Scams

The United Stated immigration system is complicated and confusing. People leave their countries hoping for and dreaming of a better life for their children and themselves. They long to become citizens of this country and often encounter a host of legal issues. These legal issues can mushroom and result in huge problems for immigrants. Dealing with the immigration authorities is daunting; being charged with a criminal offense can result in an immigrant’s being deported. However, adjusting to life in America combined with trying to figure out immigration policies and processes or dealing with courts and regulators allows unscrupulous people the opportunity to take advantage of some immigrants.

How can I make sure that an immigration lawyer is qualified to help me?

Generally, two types of professionals are authorized to assist you with your immigration case:

1. A licensed attorney who understands or practices immigration law, and
2. An authorized BIA, or USCIS agent (Board of Immigration Appeals, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services).

Attorneys are college graduates who usually finished in the top of their undergraduate class. Then, they attend law school for three years and earn their law degrees, called a Doctor of Jurisprudence. They then must be found to be morally fit and must pass the bar exam, a rigorous test. Thereafter, they must yearly take courses to stay current with the law. Most immigration lawyers have studied the laws and rules governing the immigration process – and issues related to immigration — and let the public know that they practice immigration law.

Accredited BIA or USCIS representatives must work for an organization that is authorized by the BIA and are permitted to offer limited assistance in immigration cases.

Beware of attorneys or lawyers from other countries offering immigration services in the United States. To practice law in the United States, they generally must be licensed by a State before they can provide immigration assistance to clients.

How to protect yourself from immigration scams

You can protect yourself from being scammed by unscrupulous people who are looking to make money by defrauding well-meaning people who need help with immigration. Here are a few tips that you can follow to avoid immigration scams:

• Work with a licensed attorney who practices immigration whenever you can.
• If you are working with an immigration consultant who is not a lawyer, ask for a copy of the current BIA accreditation letter.
• Feel free to ask your attorney or consultant about your immigration case.
• When you work with an attorney, get a written agreement.
• Do not sign a document that you do not understand. Bring someone you trust with you to translate for you and ensure that you understand the developments in your case.
• Stay away from “notario publicos.” In the U.S., a notary public is someone who has been authorized to witness signatures on important documents and administer oaths. In Spanish speaking countries, “Notario Publicos” are often lawyers with special legal credentials.

To have the support and advice of an experienced attorney on immigration and other issues affecting immigrants, call or contact the Law Office of Perry A. Craft, PLLC, located in Nashville.