Protect Yourself from Notarios and Immigration Consultants

How and Where to File Complaints

Many noncitizens who would otherwise qualify for immigration benefits discover they will never be successful because an immigration “consultant” destroyed their dreams. Don’t let this happen to you.

While many legitimate community and religious organizations provide immigration-related services, non-lawyers who advertise as legal “consultants” or “notarios” are not authorized or qualified to help with immigration matters.

It is against the law for “public notaries” or even foreign lawyers who are not licensed in the United States to provide immigration advice—even “just” filling out forms is something that only a licensed, properly trained lawyer or accredited representative should do.

Only a U.S. licensed lawyer or accredited representative is authorized and qualified to assist with your immigration case. Unlike consultants, lawyers have completed extensive education and training before being licensed to represent clients. You can verify whether a lawyer is in good standing and licensed to help you by contacting your state bar association.

Lawyers are also required to maintain high ethical standards—and if they don’t, you can contact your local bar association for action. When a consultant promises to help—but doesn’t deliver—the damage may not be fixable, and there may be no one to turn to.

Have You Been Harmed By a Consultant or Notario?

By promising too much—and knowing too little—unauthorized consultants often shatter immigrants’ dreams. They will promise low-cost, quick results, but often do not know the law. Even if they actually do the work and file papers, they may do it wrong and cause permanent harm. Furthermore, many are little better than scam artists, taking their client’s trust—and money—and never having to answer for the results.

If you believe you are a victim of one of these consultants, then this guide will assist you in finding help in your state. You can ask the government to take action against the consultant who harmed you. Your complaint can make a difference.

How Can You Find Qualified Immigration Assistance?

If you need help finding a qualified immigration attorney in your area, you can contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) toll-free at 1-800-954-0254 or search online at www.ailalawyer.com.

An accredited representative works with a nonprofit community or religious organization that has been recognized as having the skill and training to assist people with their immigration matters. You can find a list of accredited representatives at www.usdoj.gov/eoir/statspub/raroster.htm.

Don’t be fooled! If you consult a lawyer, make sure the lawyer is licensed. If you work with an accredited representative, ask to see the accreditation.

What Rights Do Clients Have?

If you work with a lawyer or accredited representative, you have certain rights.

• You have the right to a written STATEMENT or CONTRACT, explaining the scope of representation and fees.
• You have the right to be kept INFORMED about your case status and what has been filed.
• You have the right to a complete COPY of any forms or documents submitted in your case.
• You have the right to an ACCOUNTING of your case, detailing the total costs, as well as receipts for payments.

Filing Complaints in Texas

Attorney General Information

How to File a Complaint:

File your complaint online at: https://www.oag.state.tx.us/forms/cpd/form.php

Or download the complaint form, and mail completed form to:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548

Download the complaint form online at: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/complaintform.pdf

Other Important Information:

For help in filing complaints against immigration consultants or notarios, call 1-800-252-8011 (toll-free in Texas); assistance is available in English and Spanish.

The Attorney General of Texas has pursued law suits against immigration consultants and has issued statements and press releases on the topic.

Link to notice from Attorney General about notarios (in English and Spanish): http://www.oag.state.tx.us/newspubs/releases/2004/notarios.pdf

Filing Complaints in Other States

Download the guide on filing complaints against notarios and other unlicensed immigration consultants in all 50 states.

Help with Immigration

D.Ray Mantle shares the same goal as his clients: to find workable solutions to immigration needs. Families, employers, and individuals seek Mr. Mantle's professional assistance and representation to secure immigration benefits. If you have immigration needs, learn why you should choose D.Ray Mantle to work for you: Why Mantle Works.