Warning! Five Ways To Evade Immigration Fraud
Posted: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
by Carlos Batara
Law Offices of Carlos Batara
Most immigrants are aware that the U.S. government is one large obstacle on their path to permanent residency.
But they often don't recognize another type of obstacle: being defrauded by people they hire to help them - lawyers, immigration consultants, visa consultants, translators, and notarios.
For example:
Juan wanted to get his green card to live in the U.S. with his spouse, Julia, and his three kids. To be sure they wouldn't make a mistake, they hired Emilio. Emilio called himself an "immigration consultant."
Juan was shocked to find out he would not be allowed to come back as a permanent resident. In fact, he could not return at all for the next 10 years.
Juan's case is not unusual.
Every year thousands of immigrants are sabotaged by the professionals they hire in good faith.
Fraud is about far more than merely losing money. Following advice of a fraudulent advisor can cost you the opportunity to remain in the U.S.
Here are 5 ways to avoid becoming a victim of immigration fraud.
(1) Don't blindly assume the person you hired, even if they speak your language, is truly on your side. Even if he comes from your village, he may not be qualified to help you navigate the rocky road to permanent residency. Sadly, many people who commit fraud will count on the immigrant's feelings of friendship.
(2) Do not hire anyone who promises you will win your case or gain any specific outcome. Never hire anyone who uses the word "guarantee."Not even the best immigration attorneys win all their cases. Many factors, beyone the lawyer's control, will affect the outcome.
(3) Never pay money to anyone who says they have friends inside immigration offices who will help you. You might be getting involved with an illegal immigration fraud scheme - and you could end serving time in a U.S. federal prison. Anyway, the U.S. immigration system has several checks to prevent an "insider" from manipulating outcomes.
(4) Refuse to lie or make up facts on any documents you submit to the U.S. government. An ethical lawyer will advise you about what you are not required to disclose. But he or she will also warn you not to lie about your home country, entry dates, marriage, arrests, or anything else.
The U.S. government is very efficient when it comes to fact-finding. In most cases, immigration officials will figure out the truth. You will then be denied a green card - and perhaps deported. It's also possible you could be punished for criminal fraud and sentenced to spend time in jail.
(5) When you hire someone to prepare immigration papers, ask, "Will you sign the papers as my preparer?" If the answer is no, you are probably not working with a licensed lawyer. You need to halt things right there. You need to look for a licensed attorney who can at least check your paperwork before sending them to the immigration office. A simple mistake, a single oversight, could end your opportunity to become a legal resident - sometimes forever.
So what can you do to protect yourself?
Research your advisor's qualifications. In the U.S., an attorney will be identified as a lawyer or attorney. You can verify his or her qualifications by calling your state's Bar Association.
Be especially cautious when working with a "visa consultant" or "notario." Check references and hire only those who explain clearly, "I am not a lawyer. I recommend that you take your papers to an immigration attorney for a second opinion."
Finally, remember that those who prey on immigrants will assume you are scared. They count on you to be too afraid to call the police or tell immigration officials. To protect you and your family, you should select a qualified attorney from the start of your journey to U.S. residence and refuse to deal with anyone else.
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If you've been victimized by immigration fraud, visit our web site at http://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com . San Bernardino Deportation Attorney Carlos Batara has helped immigrants for over 16 years - from more than 60 different countries - to live and work legally in the U.S. Learn how we can help you overcome any immigration or fraud problems today.
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