The Wrong Help Can Hurt

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.

Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law

What Is It?

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:

• Telling someone which forms to file and how to complete them
• Giving advice about a case
• Filling out forms for someone and charging money
• Saying they are a “notario” or expert when they are not.

Why Is It Harmful?

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:

• Wrong or incomplete applications
• Missed deadlines
• Case denial
• Loss of money
• Serious problems, including deportation and detention

How to Protect Against Unauthorized Practice

• Only work with a licensed attorney or DOJ accredited representative.
• Ask to see their credentials and verify them.
• Do not trust anyone who promises a fast or guaranteed result.
• Always keep copies of all documents.

Learn more about efforts to combat these deceptive practices in your state here.

Protecting from Immigration Services Scams

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.

Common Types of Scams

“Notario” or Fake Legal Services Scam

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:

• Claiming they are a lawyer when they are not
• Refusing to provide a license number or credentials
• Giving legal advice without proper authorization
• Charging large upfront fees without a contract

Guaranteed Approval Scam 

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:

• Promises of “100% approval”
• Claims of special influence with immigration officers
• Pressure to pay immediately to “secure your case”
• Pressure to pay by Zelle

Impersonating Legitimate Services Provider

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.

Fake Government Websites and Emails

Scammers create websites, emails, or social media pages that look official to collect money or personal information.

Warning signs:

• Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Email addresses that do not end in “.gov”
• Messages demanding urgent payment or threatening deportation

For official immigration information, be sure to use the official websites:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• U.S. Department of State
• Department of Justice EOIR