Immigrants in the Southland and across the state were warned Tuesday to beware of scams targeting people trying to take advantage of President Barack Obama’s newly announced executive order on immigration.
Attorney General Kamala Harris issued a consumer alert, warning that the president’s announcement, which is designed to protect millions of people from deportation, could lead to con artists trying to bilk immigrants. She noted that the president’s immigration orders have not yet been implemented, so immigrants should beware of anyone offering to help them submit applications or perform other paperwork for a fee.
Harris also warned people to be wary of people who may present themselves as attorneys but who are actually only immigration consultants with limited legal authority, and who may overcharge for the services they can offer.
Such consultants cannot provide legal advice, and they cannot offer any services unless they have an immigration consultant bond, Harris said. She said people should ask consultants for their bond number to ensure they are operating legally. She also said consultants cannot charge a fee for referring people to an immigration attorney.
Harris advised immigrants to check a federal website that offers free immigration information — for which some scammers may try to charge a fee.
She also advised people to contact an attorney for individual advice, and search the state Bar’s website to find a lawyer who specializes in immigration issues.
— City News Service