Navigating the immigration process can be lengthy and confusing. Looking for information and legal advice is smart, but it’s important to get help from accredited resources, not scammers who will take advantage of your situation and steal your money.
Because immigration law can be complicated, even those who mean well – like a friend, a pastor, or a relative – may inadvertently provide advice that can cause problems for you later.
What are notarios?
In some countries, including in Latin America and Europe, Notarios, or notary publics (in Spanish, notario público), have greater authority, experience, and training than notary publics in the United States. Notarios are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. In fact, “notarios” could end up hurting your chance to immigrate lawfully.
If you’re looking for legitimate legal counsel on the immigration process, only an immigration attorney or a representative working for an organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice can give you legal advice.
Also be sure to never sign a blank immigration form at a notario business. Signing blank documents can only cause harm.
What does Colorado law say?
Under Colorado law, it is illegal for non-attorneys, unless they are designated as “accredited representatives” by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), to offer legal advice such as to:
Advise or assist another person in a determination of the person’s status for the purpose of an immigration matter;
Advise another person in selecting an immigration benefit, visa, or program;
Offer their services as a notario público, notario, immigration assistant, immigration consultant, immigration specialist, or other title that implies, in any language, that they possess professional legal skills or expertise in immigration law;
Accept any money or other compensation to advise or assist any person with any immigration issue; or
Otherwise represent another person’s interests in a judicial or administrative proceeding in an immigration matter.
Who can assist with the immigration process?
Relatives, friends, and document preparers can help you translate or type responses to forms but cannot provide you with legal advice.
You can represent yourself before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or you can hire an attorney or a representative who is authorized by the DOJ.
What should I do if I suspect an immigration scam?
Figuring out the immigration process can be stressful. Don’t let harmful scammers hurt you or your immigration process. Please use official, government-supported systems to ensure that your immigration experience is legitimate. If you see an immigration scam, please report it to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
