WHO CAN LEGALLY REPRESENT YOU?

You can be legally represented by: A licensed immigration lawyer. Recognized nonprofits, religious, social service groups and their representatives accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Qualified representatives such as a law student supervised by a lawyer. Such assistance must be provided without payment. Remember, an immigration service provider is neither a lawyer nor a representative accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Know who you are dealing with! Ask for credentials, licenses and experience before making a decision.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?

The New York State Immigration Hotline: 1-800-566-7636 Citizens Advice Bureaus Immigration Program: 718-731-3114 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): 1-800-375-5283 or at www.uscis.gov To obtain a list of legitimate immigration representatives and organizations, visit the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA):
www.usdoj.gov/eoir/statspub/raroster.htm

New York State Office of the Attorney General

Immigration Services Fraud:

Know Your Rights!

To obtain a list of free legal services, visit U.S. Department of Justice: http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/probono/ states.htm

If you are a victim of immigration fraud, call the New York State Attorney Generals Helpline at 1-800-771-7755 or visit www.oag.state.ny.us We will not inquire about your immigration status, and should it become known, this office will maintain that information in confidence to the extent possible under law. It is important that immigrant New Yorkers have the confidence to come forward to register complaints with the Office of the Attorney General.

Beware of Notario Pblico Fraud!

In certain Latino communities, deception occurs through confusion about the authority of a notary public. The term notary public in Spanish translates into notario publico or notario, which in some Spanish-speaking countries is understood to mean attorney. Beware of unscrupulous notarios who rely on this misunderstanding to exploit you.

Andrew M. Cuomo Attorney General

STATE OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE CAPITOL ALBANY, NY 12224
Dear New Yorker:

When Christine Owad from Greene County, New York, promised she could get green cards within a year, and work permits within a few months, hundreds of undocumented immigrants responded and paid Owad up to $4,000 for her immigration services. An investigation by the Attorney Generals Office, however, uncovered that Owad, posing as an immigration service provider with vast experience, had falsely promised green cards and work permits claiming loopholes in the immigration laws. She also dishonestly claimed special contacts and influence in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Owad even supplied immigration forms leaving her victims with the impression that their application was going forward. Months later, the unsuspecting victims discovered their applications had been rejected and the large fees potentially lost forever.

BEWARE OF IMMIGRATION FRAUD

We can qualify you by providing false information about you to the government. We only accept cash. We offer guaranteed results.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

All immigration service providers are required to offer you written contracts in a language you understand. You have the right to: Cancel the contract without penalty or fee within three business days. Get a copy of each document filed with the government. Get your original documents back even if you fail to pay fees and costs.
Under law, immigration service providers cannot:

Our immigrant communities are an important component of the rich cultural fabric of New York State. Their many daily contributions allow our state to be recognized as the worlds capital of diversity, achievement, and opportunity. Unfortunately, many immigrants who lawfully seek to adjust their immigration status are victimized by fraudulent immigration service providers. The consequences can be devastating. This brochure is designed to inform you about your rights and options under the law and we hope you will use this information to protect yourself as you build your future in New York.

In response to complaints, the Attorney Generals Office sued Christine Owad and obtained a court order requiring her to repay her victims. Owad has been banned from the immigration consulting business.

Unscrupulous lawyers or illegally operating immigration service providers often promise quick papers or secret methods of legalization.

Give legal advice or practice law. Promise special favors or give guarantees. Demand fees for services not performed. Disclose information about you or file forms without your consent. Threaten to report you to immigration or other authorities or hurt your legal status in any way. If your rights are violated, you are entitled to sue your immigration service provider and seek relief in court.

Beware! The consequences are serious.

You could permanently damage your immigration status, lose thousands of dollars and end up being deported from the United States. Beware if an immigration service provider says: We can get you green cards, work permits, or U.S Visas in a few weeks. We know people at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS).

Andrew M. Cuomo