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At Global Refuge, we know that navigating the United States immigration system is not easy—but the wrong help can hurt. Whether you’re in need of support yourself or working with someone who does, please find more information on the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law and how to ensure that legal support comes from a qualified, authorized provider below.
The Global Refuge team produced a series of videos in conjunction with the Texas Bar Foundation helping members of the Afghan community and beyond avoid unauthorized practice of immigration law and immigration scams. Watch it below in English, Dari, or Pashto.
The unauthorized practice of immigration law happens when someone who is not a licensed attorney or a DOJ accredited representative gives legal advice or helps with immigration cases.
This can include:
Immigration law is complicated. Small mistakes can cause big problems.
If someone in need of services gets help from someone who is not qualified, it can lead to:
Learn more about efforts to combat these deceptive practices in your state here.
Immigrants and their families are often targeted by dishonest individuals who promise fast results, guaranteed approvals, or “special connections” with immigration agencies. Learning how to recognize immigration scams can help protect those seeking services’ money, personal information, and futures.
In many countries, a “notario” is a licensed legal professional. In the United States, however, a notary public is not an immigration attorney. Some individuals falsely advertise themselves as immigration experts and charge high fees for legal advice they are not authorized to provide.
Warning signs include:
No one can guarantee approval of a visa, green card, work permit, or citizenship application. Immigration decisions are made by the U.S. government.
Warning signs include:
Some scammers pretend to be real immigration legal services providers by using the attorney or DOJ accredited representative’s name, bar number, website photos, or copied office information. They may contact immigrants through phone calls, text messages, email, WhatsApp, or social media and claim they are handling a case or offering legal help.
In some cases, scammers create fake websites or social media pages that closely resemble a real law office. Others may falsely claim to work for a legitimate attorney or immigration organization.
Learn more about some of these scams from the American Bar Association.
Scammers create websites, emails, or social media pages that look official to collect money or personal information.
Warning signs:
For official immigration information, be sure to use the official websites:
Mr. H thought that his friends and family were helping him renew his work permit. Unfortunately, a small mistake had big consequences—but the Global Refuge Immigration Legal Services team got him back on track.
Read His StoryIf you or someone in your community needs legitimate immigration legal help, refer to the following:
For victims needing help from consumer protection attorneys, visit consumeradvocates.org/findan-attorney.
In some countries, a “notario” is a lawyer. In the United States, a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.
• A licensed attorney
• An accredited representative approved by the U.S. Department of Justice
Be careful. Even filling out forms can require legal knowledge. If the person is not qualified, they can make mistakes that hurt your case.
• Ask to see their license or proof of the organization’s DOK Recognition and Accreditation (R&A)
• Check their name with their state bar association
• Ask questions about their experience
• They guarantee approval or fast results
• They ask for a lot of money upfront
• They insist you pay by Zelle
• They do not give you copies of your documents
• They tell you to answers questions wrong on your application
You can report the problem to:
• Your state attorney general’s office
• The Federal Trade Commission – Submit reports through the FTC’s complaint portal. Reports can also be made in English or Spanish: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Look for:
• Licensed immigration attorneys
• DOJ Recognized nonprofit organizations with DOJ accredited representatives
Where to Find Qualified Help
If you or someone in your community needs legitimate immigration legal help, refer to the following:
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): www.ailalawyer.com
• CLINIC Affiliate Directory: www.cliniclegal.org/find-legal-help/affiliates/directory
• Immigrant Advocates Network (IAN): https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/
• National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA): For victims needing help from consumer protection attorneys: www.consumeradvocates.org/findan-attorney
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