The Dangers Of Employing Unprofessional People For Your Immigration Needs

When it comes to complexity of laws in the United States, immigration law surely fits the label. So it is paramount that this is kept in mind while trying to wade through the formalities. For most people it is extremely difficult to understand the domain of immigration – its policies, concepts and workings. What is crucial is the prompt action of seeking legal advice whenever necessary – it is best to consult an attorney who has all the necessary knowledge of immigration law and its nitty-gritty.

It is therefore, most unfortunate to see this important area of immigration law marred by the appearance of many unlawful individuals – they are the ones who work under the name of legal advisors, but are not really attorneys. They provide service to various immigrant communities under the guise of calling themselves as "Notarios", Visa or Immigration Consultants and para- legals. The confusion, ignorance and innocence of the people who just arrive in the country are taken advantage of by them; these people do not know the English language and are least acquainted with the laws of the land, so notarios tend to prey on their gullibility to the fullest. These so-called legal advisors file documents of the immigrants that turn out to be erroneous, and what's more, extract money for doing so. There have been instances of people being deported back to their homelands, when they were found to be qualified enough to reside in the country.

NOTARIOS ARE NOT LICENSED

Can the practice of law proceed without a license? When legal advice is given to any person or a legal matter is transacted it is done under the canopy of law, and it therefore, needs a license. Filing legal papers, representing someone under the legal purview, advising legal strategies to individuals – all these constitute the practice of law and cannot be done without a license.

Unfortunately, notarios are simply what are called as 'document preparers; although they call themselves, anything from notarios, consultants, paralegals to immigration consultants they are basically "Typing Providers". They simply help to fill out the immigration forms of the applicants. They can translate into the right answers in English as needed, to the questions listed on the immigration forms.

LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION IN COURT NOT POSSIBLE

These document typists are not qualified to work as attorneys. Therefore, providing legal advice or guidance of any type cannot be undertaken by them. Any legal advice given by them basically means that they are practicing without a license, and this is illegal, in the eyes of the law.

It pays therefore to err on the side of caution, and not engage with unqualified personnel to deal with legal issues, especially in the area of immigration. 

Source : articlesbase.com