Why Choose an AILA Lawyer?

Get the right immigration advice from a licensed professional.

• Protect yourself, your family and your business
• Who can help with your immigration questions?
• Get your immigration advice from a licensed AILA lawyer
• What rights do clients have?
• Can't afford a lawyer?
• How can you avoid fraud?
• Take action if you fall victim
• Help with Immigration

Protect yourself, your family and your business!

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.

By promising too much—and knowing too little—unauthorized consultants can damage your chances. Many are little better than scam artists, taking your money and never having to answer for the results.

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

Who can help with your immigration questions?

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.

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 the Department of Justice’s web site.

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.

Get your immigration advice from a licensed AILA lawyer.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the only legal association in the United States for immigration attorneys. AILA was established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

D.Ray Mantle is an active member of AILA and is able to assist clients throughout the United States and the world with their immigration needs. With digital case management technology, competitive flat fees, and a dedicated immigration law practice, Mr. Mantle can help you meet your U.S. immigration goals no matter where you live. To compare services, or if you are in need of a local immigration attorney, visit the AILA Lawyer Search. All AILA lawyers found on this website:

1. have been an approved AILA member for at least 2 years;
2. carry professional liability insurance;
3. have completed at least 9 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes within the last year and
4. are licensed and in good standing with a State Bar Association.

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 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.

Can’t afford a lawyer?

Unfortunately, the government does not provide free lawyers in immigration cases; generally, you must hire your own lawyer or represent yourself. Certain people may qualify for help from an accredited nonprofit organization for a small fee or even free of charge. In some areas, there may even be referrals available for a “pro bono” (“free”) lawyer.

Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor the Immigration Court can provide you with legal advice or representation. For more information on low fee or pro bono help, visit the Department of Justice's web site.

How can you avoid fraud?

Use common sense. Many people hear what they want to hear—be smart! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Be smart! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don’t believe it if someone tells you about a secret law or claims to have connections or special influence with any agency.
• Never sign an application that contains false information, and try to avoid signing blank forms. If you must sign a blank form, make sure you get a copy of the completed form and review it for accuracy before it is filed.
• Always get proof of filing—a copy or government filing receipt—when anything is submitted in your case.
• Insist on a written contract that details all fees and expenses and make sure you receive a receipt, especially if you pay cash. If terms change, get a written explanation.
• Don’t let anyone “find” you a sponsor or spouse to get you a green card: it’s illegal.

Take Action if You Fall Victim!

If a consultant or even an attorney commits fraud or otherwise makes a serious error that hurts your case, you may be able to fix the problem by reporting their misconduct.

If you have a complaint about a notario or immigration consultant, contact your local bar association, consumer advocate, or prosecutor for advice.

If you have a complaint about your attorney, contact your local state bar association to make a complaint.

For both attorneys and accredited representatives, you also can file a complaint with DHS or the Immigration Court. For details, see www.usdoj.gov/eoir/press/00/profcondfaks.htm.

Help with Immigration

D.Ray Mantle assists individuals, families and employers in obtaining positive immigration results in a timely, personal, and professional manner. Your individual circumstances are carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration attorney to determine which options are available to you. Mr. Mantle provides guidance and help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your case, prepares all of the necessary application forms, and also ensures that your final application meets all government requirements.

If you are applying for immigration benefits, find out why you should hire an immigration attorney. To learn more about how Mr. Mantle can help you, please contact our office for a consultation.