Finding Legitimate Legal Help

What you can do today

Before you pay anyone for immigration help, take ten minutes to check who they are. Two quick lookups can tell you whether a person is allowed to give legal advice in the United States. The steps are below.

Who can legally give immigration legal advice

In the U.S., only two kinds of people may give you legal advice about immigration:

• Licensed attorneys. Lawyers who are members of a state bar and in good standing.
• DOJ-accredited representatives. Non-lawyers who have been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to help with immigration cases. They must work at a recognized organization, usually a nonprofit that charges little or nothing.

Anyone else, no matter how kind or experienced, is not allowed to tell you what to file, what to say, or what your chances are.

What a “notario” is (and is not)

In many Latin American countries, a notario público is a highly trained legal professional. In the United States, a notary public is very different. A notary only witnesses signatures. A notary has no legal training and cannot give legal advice.

Some businesses use the word “notario” because they know it sounds trustworthy. Using that title to offer immigration advice is illegal in many states. If someone calls themselves a notario, immigration consultant, or visa specialist, that title alone does not mean they can help you legally.

How to verify someone

• For attorneys: Search your state bar’s website for the lawyer’s name. Look for “active” or “good standing” status and check for any discipline.
• For accredited representatives: Search the DOJ EOIR Recognition & Accreditation roster. It lists every approved representative and organization by state.
• For free or low-cost help: The EOIR list of pro bono legal service providers is organized by immigration court location.

If a name does not appear on the roster or the bar list, ask the person to show you proof, or choose someone else.

Red flags

Be careful if someone:

• Guarantees a result. No honest professional can promise an outcome.
• Wants to keep your original documents. You should keep your own papers and receive copies of everything filed.
• Accepts cash only or refuses to give receipts.
• Will not sign a written contract that lists services and fees.
• Tells you to sign blank forms or forms you cannot read.
• Claims a special relationship with the government.

If you have already been harmed

You can report fraud even if you are worried about your own situation. Reporting helps protect your community:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov, available in Spanish.
• Your state attorney general: Most have a consumer protection office.
• Your state bar: If the person claimed to be a lawyer.

Also consider talking to a licensed attorney or accredited representative about what was filed in your name. Do not stop your case without checking first.

Important

This page is general information, not legal advice. It cannot tell you what to do in your own situation. For questions about your case, talk to a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative. Immigration law and procedures change often, so always check the dated sources listed above for the most current information.