Every year, people lose money and sometimes their immigration options to individuals who are not authorized to give legal advice. In many countries a notario is a trained lawyer. In the United States a notary public only witnesses signatures and cannot give immigration advice.
Warning signs
- A promise of guaranteed approval
- A claim of special connections inside the government
- Pressure to sign blank forms or forms with false information
- Refusal to give you copies of what was filed
- Payment demanded in cash with no written agreement
Who may help you
Only licensed attorneys and accredited representatives working for organizations recognized by the Department of Justice may give immigration legal advice. The Department of Justice publishes a list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives.
If something went wrong
Keep every receipt and document, and seek advice from a licensed attorney quickly. Errors in earlier filings can sometimes be corrected, and the earlier they are addressed, the more options remain.