Immigration Fraud Awareness

About the Fraudulent Immigration Services Awareness Campaign

The City of Saint Paul is launching the Fraudulent Immigration Services Campaign, which will provide Saint Paul community members with information on immigration scams.
The goal of the campaign is straightforward: inform the community about how to identify, respond to, and report fraudulent immigration services.
This awareness campaign is financially supported by the Local Consumer Financial Protection Initiative at the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund.
This awareness campaign is a partnership between the Office of Financial Empowerment and the Immigrant and Refugee Program in the City Attorney’s Office.

What are fraudulent immigration services?

Fraudulent immigration services are a type of scam in which individuals who are not licensed to practice law in the US or BIA-authorized present themselves as trustworthy resources for those seeking immigration assistance.
Fraudulent services vary in form and marketing.
Many fraudulent services will overcharge based on the false promise that documents will be submitted correctly and in a timely manner such that a chance in one’s legal status will be accelerated.
Many documents are publicly available and can be filled out with little to no cost assistance from experienced organizations.

When does immigration fraud occur?

Fraudulent immigration services tend to increase following major shifts in US immigration law and policy. Fraudsters will use these occurrences to over-exaggerate the effects if policy and law changes to gain customers.

One prominent example is notario fraud, which refers to a very specific type of scam unique to Latino and Spanish-speaking communities.

In Latin American countries, Notarios Publicos are highly trained legal professionals who provide legal services and advice.
However, in the US, “notarios”, or Notaries, are NOT trained or authorized to assist in immigration matters. This discrepancy allows fraudulent individuals to use the “notario” title to deceive victims from Latino and Spanish-speaking communities who believe they are receiving legitimate legal guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All

- Scammers and well-intentioned people who lack professional knowledge can commit immigration scams. If someone is not a lawyer or a BIA-authorized representative, one should direct those seeking assistance to qualified support to file accurate and timely paperwork.
- If you are not an attorney or U.S. Department of Justice-accredited representative, it is against the law to give legal aid to those seeking help. Immigration law is complex and filing errors can result in your license being revoked, major fines, and jail time.
The consequences typically fall under two categories:
- Unauthorized Practice of Law: Only two groups of people may provide legal advice and services on you immigration case: Licensed attorneys and accredited representatives of a non-profit religious, charitable or social service organizations established in the U.S. and recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Preparing an Immigration form can constitute legal advice and anyone who prepares immigration forms for a fee or other consideration, who is not a licensed attorney or BIA accredited representative may be guilty of a crime in Minnesota known as the unauthorized practice of law.
- Fraudulent or misuse of notary public responsibilities: If a notary misuses their notary privileges, their authority can be suspended or revoked or they must return their notary stamp. If there is a pattern of misuse or fraud by a notary, criminal penalties are possible. You can file a misconduct or fraud complaint against a notary public with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Go to https://mn.gov/commerce/, click on “Consumers” on the top menu, then click on “File a Complaint.”
Risk to Status

Services provided by anyone other than an immigration lawyer are risky and can lead to permanent barriers to immigration status. Mistakes on applications can have permanent consequences, includinginducing deportation.

Costs

Services provided by scammers are often over priced and can result in further costs down the road as one attempts to correct the situation. There is a great risk of additional loss of income should one be deported or experience another permanent barrier to immigration status as a result of fraudulent services.

Delayed applications

Your application may be returned and you will need to resubmit your application, which may cause delays in an already lengthy immigration process.
The City of Saint Paul and The Immigrant Law Center are on the lookout for those who have offered incorrect and/or harmful immigration advice from non-authorized representatives.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent immigration services, please contact: City of Saint Paul - Immigrant and Refugee Program, Edmundo Lijo, Assistant City Attorney, edmundo.lijo@ci.stpaul.mn.us, (651) 266-8783
Please check out these resources:
- StopNotarioFraud (American Immigration Lawyers Association)
Those qualified to provide support are lawyers and BIA-authorized representatives. Here are some community partners who offer qualified immigration services:
- Search for immigration lawyers through American Immigration Lawyer Association search tool: https://ailalawyer.com/.
- International Institute of Minnesota: The Institute delivers services and resources to assist New Americans in the transition to a new life leading to economic self-sufficiency. From language learning and job training to citizenship classes and the celebration of cultural traditions, the Institute offers New Americans a pathway for a strong start to a new life in our community – something we all benefit from. To learn more call 651-647-0191 then press 2 for Immigration or visit https://iimn.org/programs/immigration-and-citizenship/.
- Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSS): LSS is committed to providing all people with the opportunity to live and work in a community with full and abundant lives. LSS offers Immigration Legal Services for a nominal fee to help refugees, asylees, and other immigrants living in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud complete immigration documents — including Permanents Resident, Naturalization, Employment Authorization, and family visa applications. Fee consultation and screening services are available at the Minneapolis office every Tuesday. For more information, call 612.879.5258 or visit https://www.lssmn.org/services/refugees/services/immigration.
- Minnesota Council of Churches - Refugee Services: A immigration program welcoming persecuted people from around the world. Provides specialized services for refugees and asylees to assist them on the path to self-sufficiency and support them as they work towards achieving their dreams. To learn more, call 612.230.3224 or visit http://mnchurches.webbrohd.com/what-we-do/refugee-services/immigration-legal-services.
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) is a nonprofit agency that provides immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota. For assistance, call (651) 641-1011 or 1-800-223-1368 or visit www.ilcm.org.

Support Organizations

The Advocates for Human Rights

The organization is dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights. The Advocates documents human rights abuses, advocates on behalf of individual victims, educates on human rights issues, and provides training and technical assistance to address and prevent human rights violations. Client intake number: 612-341-9845. https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/Home.

ACLU Minnesota

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota continues to protect the civil liberties of all Minnesotans through litigation, public education, and lobbying. https://www.aclu-mn.org/

CLUES

A linguistically and culturally relevant resource and service nonprofit organization by Latinos for Latinos. https://clues.org/

Casa de Esperanza

Casa De Esperanza works to eliminate violence against women and children in the Latino community and the community at large. Offers family and court advocacy, bilingual 24-hour crisis response and shelter. https://esperanzaunited.org/en/

Coalitional of Asian American Leaders

A nonprofit organization focused on harnessing the collective power of Asian Minnesotan leaders to improve the lives of communities. CAAL works to uplift and support leaders, advance the shared priority issues of education and economics, weave relationships, and build solidarity across IPOC communities. https://caalmn.org/

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

A non-profit providing immigration legal assistance and policy advocacy for low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota. For assistance with questions and concerns regarding immigration rights, and to receive accurate information and competent legal advice, community members may call this hotline: 651-641-1011 or 1-800-223-1368. https://www.ilcm.org/

Release MN 8

In August 2016, eight Cambodian Americans from Minnesota were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The families of these individuals are demanding the immediate release of their loved ones in detention, as well as the right to return for those who have been deported. Access the campaign's resources on your rights when interacting with the police and ICE online.

Additional online tool from the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

AILA is a professional legal association of private lawyers. AILA and ailalawyer.com offer no legal advice, recommendations, mediation or counseling under any circumstance. This online tool may assist with identifying a private immigration attorney near you. www.ailalawyer.com.

Public Awareness Campaign

Find testimonials and other resources from the City of Saint Paul's #StopImmigrationFraudSTP public awareness efforts on social media.

Expand All

Scammers and well-intentioned people who lack professional knowledge have caused major immigration issues for new Minnesotans. Immigration Law is highly complex and changes often. Mistakes on applications can have permanent consequences, including deportation and permanent barriers to immigration status. But you don’t have to be a victim.

Immigration Law is complex, and well-intentioned people who lack professional knowledge have caused major immigration issues for new Minnesotans, including deportation and permanent barriers to immigration status. Don’t be part of the problem. If you are not a lawyer or BIA-authorized representative, ensure that those you seek to help are getting the qualified support they deserve to file accurate and timely paperwork.

Regardless of how many times you have helped individuals file similar forms, only an attorney or BIA accredited representative can give legal immigration advice.

If you are not an attorney or BIA accredited representative, it is against the law to give legal advice to those seeking help. Immigration Law is complex and filing errors can result in your license being revoked, major fines, and jail time.

If you are not an attorney or BIA-accredited representative, it is against the law to give legal aid to those seeking help. Immigration law is complex and filing errors can result in your license being revoked, major fines, and jail time. If you have encountered or worked with clients who have been victims of fraudulent immigration services, we encourage you to use the resources listed on our website to assist those in need.

Preparing an Immigration form can constitute legal advice and anyone who does this for a fee or other consideration who is not a licensed attorney or BIA accredited representative may be found guilty of committing the unauthorized practice of law.

Victims of immigration fraud may be too embarrassed to report their situation, feel hopeless after financial damages, and fear deportation if they do come forward.

Instances of fraudulent immigration services are frequently underreported and gathering accurate data to understand how to combat fraud can be difficult. According to Ayuda, a Washington, D.C. based immigration nonprofit organization, there could be as many as 100 victims for every one who steps forward.

Help us prevent others from facing the severe consequences of Fraudulent Immigration Services by reporting misconduct.

Immigration Law is highly complex and changes often, and mistakes on applications can have permanent consequences, including deportation. Even the order in which an individual or family applies for citizenship could impact them negatively.

If you wish to assist a person with their immigration papers, do not help them yourself. Instead, connect them to an immigration attorney or a BIA accredited representative.

By doing so, you can help prevent you and your loved ones from fraudulent immigration services and avoid possible penalties.
The meaning of certain words can be lost in translation. In the U.S, a notario refers to “a person who may or may not be a US notary public who deceives clients, in particular, immigrants from Latin American communities, into believing he or she is holding the same authority a Notario Publico holds in Latin America”. In the US, a Notary Public is not qualified to provide immigration advice.

Do not take any legal advice from someone who is claiming to be a ‘notario publico’ in the US.

El significado de ciertas palabras puede perderse en la traducción. En EE.UU., un notario se refiere a "una persona que puede o no ser un notario público de EE.UU. que engaña a sus clientes inmigrantes de las comunidades latinoamericanas, haciéndoles creer que tiene la misma autoridad que un notario público en América Latina". En EE.UU., un notario público no está cualificado para asesorar en materia de inmigración.

No acepte ningún consejo legal de alguien que dice ser un "notario público" en los Estados Unidos.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the nation’s consumer protection agency. Its mission is to protect consumers from deceptive practices such as fraud. This fotonovela is part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and help the Latino community in avoiding Fraudulent Immigration Services. Only someone authorized by the U.S. government—like a lawyer or a BIA accredited representative—can give you legal advice.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/www.consumer.ftc.gov/files/articles/…

La Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC) es la agencia nacional de protección del consumidor. Su misión es proteger a los consumidores de prácticas engañosas como el fraude.

Esta fotonovela forma parte de los esfuerzos continuos de la FTC para concienciar y ayudar a la comunidad latina a evitar los servicios de inmigración fraudulentos. Sólo alguien autorizado por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos -como un abogado o un representante acreditado por la BIA- puede darle asesoramiento legal.

https://www.bulkorder.ftc.gov/es/system/files/publications/spdf-0203-es…

In recent media coverage, there has been talk about immigration reforms and new policies in the works.

If you hear there’s been a big change in immigration law whether from the news or friends and family, always contact an attorney or BIA accredited representative for verification. Even if there has been reform, it may not necessarily benefit you as an individual.

Los medios de comunicación han estado reportando sobre reformas de inmigración y de nuevas políticas en marcha.

Si escucha que ha habido un cambio grande en la ley de inmigración, ya sea por las noticias o de parte de amigos o familiares, comuníquese con un abogado o con un representante acreditado por la BIA para verificarlo. Incluso si ha habido una reforma, puede que no necesariamente le beneficie a usted.

Hauv kev tshaj tawm xov xwm tsis ntev los no, tau tham txog kev hloov pauv ntawm kev nkag teb chaws thiab cov cai tshiab hauv kev ua hauj lwm

Yog koj hnov tias muaj kev hloov pauv loj hauv txoj cai lij choj kev nkag teb chaws tsis hais los ntawm xov xwm los sis phooj ywg thiab tsev neeg, nco ntsoov hu rau kws lij choj los sis BIA tus neeg sawv cev tham kom paub tsheeb. Txawm hais tias tau muaj kev hloov kho tshiab, los nws yuav tsis muaj txiaj ntsig zoo rau koj tam li ib tus neeg.

Dhiyootti karaa fuula miidiyaa, waa'ee fooyya'iinsa seera immigreeshinii fi hojiiwwan keessattis waa'ee poolisiiwwan haaraa dubbatee jira.

Yoo seera immigireeshinii ilaalchisee karaa miidiyaa, yookiin hiriyootaa fi maatii irraa jijjiiramni guddaan taasifamuu isaa oduu dhageessan, mirkaneeffachuuf jecha yeroo hundumaa dursaatii abukaatoo ykn BIA, kanneen beekamtii qaban, bakka bu'oota gafadhaa. Fooyya'iinsi yoo jiraates illee, akka nama dhuunfaatti isin hin fayyadu ta'a.

Warbaahin beryahan socota ayaa looga hadlaa dibu-habeyn iyo sharciyo cusub oo la xiriira muhaajiriinta.

Haddii aad maqasho in uu jiro isbeddel weyn oo la xiriira sharciga muhaajiriinta, oo ay sheegayaan idaacadaha ama asxaabtaada iyo qoyska, mar kasta la xiriir qareen ama wakiilka BIA ee la aqoonsan yahay si aad isaga xaqiijiso. Xataa haddii ay jirto wax cusub, waxaa laga yaabaa in aysan adiga shakhsi ahaan kuugu fiicneyn.

Scammers and well-intentioned people who lack professional knowledge have caused major immigration issues for new Minnesotans. Immigration Law is highly complex and changes often. Mistakes on applications can have permanent consequences, including deportation and permanent barriers to immigration status. But you don’t have to be a victim.

Tanto estafadores como personas bien intencionadas que carecen de conocimiento profesional le han causado serios problemas de inmigración a algunos residentes nuevos de Minnesota. La ley de inmigración es muy compleja y cambia a menudo. Cometer errores en sus solicitudes puede crear consecuencias permanentes, incluyendo la deportación y barreras permanentes a su estatus migratorio. Pero usted no tiene que convertirse en víctima.

Cov neeg dag ntxias thiab cov neeg muaj lub siab zoo uas tsis muaj kev paub tshaj lij tau tsim muaj cov teeb meem kev nkag teb chaws uas tseem ceeb rau Cov Neeg Hauv Xeev Minnesota uas los tshiab. Txoj Kev Cai Lij Choj Txog Kev Nkag Teb Chaws yog qhov nyuaj heev thiab hloov pauv ntau zaus. Cov kev yuam kev hauv cov ntawv thov tuaj yeem muaj cov teeb meem tshwm sim tom qab tas mus li, suav nrog kev xa tawm thiab cov kev thaiv tas mus li rau qhov xwm txheej kev nkag teb chaws. Tab sis koj tsis tas yuav yog tus neeg raug tsim txom.

Dad qalinshubato ah iyo dad niyad fiican balse aan lahayn aqoon dhab ah ayaa dhibaato weyn oo ah arrimaha socdaalka u sheegi kara datka cusub ee Minnesota. Sharciga Laanta Socdaalka waa wax aad u adag oo badanaa la beddelo. Khaladaadka lagu sameeyo waraaqaha codsiyada waxay yeelan karaan dhibaatooyin aan harin, sida masaafurin iyo inaadan weligaa heli karin wax sharci ah. Haddaba waa in aadan noqon qof dhibbane ah.

Nammoonni amanamoo hin taanee fi kaayyoo gaarii ta'e kan hin qabne kanneen ogummaa beekumsa irratti hundaa'e hin qabne, jiraattota Minnesotaa warra haaraa irraatti rakkoo immigireeshinii guddaa uumaa jiru. Seerri Immigreshinii baay'isee wal xaxaa waan ta'eef yeroo baay'ee ni gegeeddarama. Dogongorawwan iyyata irratti uumaman- biyyaa baafamuu fi haala immigireshiniis danquu dabalatee dhiibbaawwan dhaabbatoo ta'an qaqqabsiisuu danda'u. Kanaafuu, isin ittiin miidhamuu hin qabdan.

Immigration resources are available at your service. Make sure you receive the qualified advice you deserve. Services provided by anyone other than an immigration lawyer or BIA accredited representative may be illegal, risky, and can lead to permanent barriers to immigration status.

Tiene recursos de inmigración a su servicio. Asegúrese de recibir el asesoramiento cualificado que se merece. Cualquier persona que no sea abogado de inmigración o representante acreditado por la BIA puede estar ofreciendo servicios ilegales y arriesgados y pueden causar barreras permanentes a su estatus de inmigración.

Cov peev txheej kev nkag teb chaws muaj nyob rau ntawm koj li kev pab cuam. Ua kom paub tseeb tias koj tau txais lus qhia kom tsim nyog uas koj tsim nyog tau txais. Cov kev pab cuam uas tau muab los ntawm ib tug neeg twg uas tsis yog tus kws lij choj saib xyuas kev nkag teb chaws los sis tus neeg sawv cev uas tau txais kev tso cai los ntawm BIA tuaj yeem yog qhov txhaum kev cai, thiab tuaj yeem ua rau muaj cov kev thaiv tas mus li rau qhov xwm txheej kev nkag teb chaws.

Macluumaadka laanta socdaalka ayaa laguu hayaa. Iska hubso in aad hesho talada sharciga dhabta ah ee aad u qalanto. Adeegyada aad ka heleyso qof kasta oo aan ahayn qareenka socdaalka ama wakiil la aqoonsan yahay oo ka socda BIA waxa uu noqon karaa sharci-darro, khatar, oo waxa ay kugu keeni karaan in aadan weligaa heli karin wax sharci ah.

Odeeffannoon waa'ee immigireeshinii tajaajila keessan irratti ni argamu. Gorsa ga'aa ta'e kan feetan argachuu keessan mirkaneeffadhaa. Abukaattoo immigireeshinii ykn BIA irraa nama bakka bu'umsi seeraa kennameefiin alatti tajaajilawwan kennaman hundinuu seeraan ala, balaa kan qabu, fi haala immigireeshinii irrattis danqaawwan dhaabbatoo uumuu danda'u.
Episode 1

A Minnesota immigration attorney reported an individual with a lawsuit on behalf of three former clients and notified federal immigration authorities about the situation.

The individual unlawfully acquired tens of thousands of dollars by misleading Hispanic immigrants about finding them jobs for a fee. He told fifty clients that only those with immigration papers could get jobs and offered to obtain these papers for a $1,350 fee each. When clients asked for their money back, he threatened to turn them into immigration authorities.

Following the criminal case, this individual was deported.

Read more about this case here: https://www.startribune.com/immigration-attorney-says-there-were-no-jobs/134094444/.

Episode 2

A scam artist based in McLean, Virginia had a notary public license in the United States and advertised various legal services on his website. He presented himself as a legal expert skilled in immigration law and sympathetic to immigrants seeking legal status. He also hosted a radio show in which he identified himself as a “notario publico”.

Multiple cases showed that this individual would exploit immigrants who came seeking legal assistance. When confronted, he would threaten to call immigration authorities or other government officials. In one case, he told a victim that he could get her friend out of detention on bond for $4,000. He then provided counterfeit documents promising a stay of removals. The victim’s friend was then deported.

Learn more about this case here: https://ayuda.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Notario-Fraud-Remedies_A-Practical-Manual-for-Immigration-Practitioners.pdf).

Episode 3

The Illinois Attorney General filed a lawsuit against a resident alleging that she defrauded an immigrant and her family for more than $10,000 for unlicensed immigration counseling. The suit alleges that the defendant operated a scam to have the family pay thousands of dollars for her efforts and for completing the forms. These fraudulent efforts almost resulted in deportation of the victim’s mother.

The defendant was not a licensed attorney or employed by any agency or organization authorized to provide immigration services. Providing fraudulent immigration services is illegal.

Read more about this case: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-immigration-notary-fraud-met-20170529-story.html)