New immigration scams appeared in New York: how not to be fooled

The new year and the new administration brought good news about the changes in immigration policy. US President Joe Biden and Congress have presented new bills that provide important steps to strengthen the immigration system and offer stability, fairness and citizenship to millions of immigrants in the country.

These are critical changes, and it's no coincidence that New Yorkers are so excited about the news. However, at the same time, with the innovations, the number of scammers who will try to deceive immigrants will also increase, so residents of the city should be on the alert. There are many ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

There are no new visas or applications to fill out.

New Yorkers should remember that there are currently no changes to the legislation yet, and therefore no new ways of obtaining citizenship have appeared.

Some immigration service providers, such as notaries or dishonest lawyers, may try to take advantage of the post-news mess by offering immigrants living in New York City applications for non-existent visas or other unavailable legal benefits.

How do I get free, safe immigration legal assistance?

For more information and answers to questions about the latest trends in immigration policy, New Yorkers can contact ActionNYC at 800-354-0365, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 18:00 pm. ActionNYC offers city-funded, free and secure immigration legal assistance, including due diligence on immigration status and legal representation through a network of trusted community organizations. Help is provided in your language and includes information about other community resources and support services. ActionNYC services are available to all New Yorkers - immigration status doesn't matter.

On the subject: Immigrant Notes: Helpful Resources to Find Official Documents and Personal Records

Only lawyers and accredited representatives working for ActionNYC non-profit organizations can provide legal advice on immigration matters or represent you in your immigration case. Scammers can promise green cards and other immigration benefits just to get your money. In particular, it is common for notaries or consultants to promise to help because they have an easy way to get a green card quickly (for example, through new bills from the Biden administration), or claim to have special influence over the immigration authorities. You shouldn't believe such promises. Lawyers and accredited representatives should always be honest with you about the options available and the risks involved.

Here are some tips to avoid being cheated:

1. Do not sign blank or partially completed immigration forms and always read them carefully before signing. Remember, you are responsible for all documents you sign that are submitted to government agencies.
2. Do not give the originals of your documents to anyone, only copies.
3. Make copies of all forms submitted to government agencies on your behalf.
4. Ask for a receipt showing the name, surname, and address of your service provider and the services you receive.
5. If in doubt, consult another professional.

Are you a victim of fraudulent activities?

If you think someone is trying to cheat you, you can file a complaint. To do this, call 311 and say "immigration service provider" or visit the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) website at nyc.gov/dcwpto file a complaint in your language. You do not need to provide your first name, last name or immigration status to file a complaint.

Additional resources to help avoid cheating, including a guide to resources in your language, can be found on the website nyc.gov/immigrantfraud.