Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

They are out there … swindlers, phony immigration specialists, dishonest immigration consultants, notarios, and others. 

They’ll take your money. 

They’ll take your documents. 

They’ll make all kinds of promises -- a green card, asylum, special consideration with immigration authorities. 

But, in the end, you’ll get nothing.  And, you may jeopardize your right to any immigration benefit or any right to relief.

SO... Before you decide to get help with immigration matters, and before you pay any money, educate yourself so that you can make the right decision about what kind of immigration help you need and who should provide that assistance.  This question and answer sheet is designed to help you make these determinations.

Who may provide legal advice and legal services on immigration matters?  The two common categories of individuals who can provide legal advice and legal services on immigration matters are: (1) attorneys and (2) accredited representatives of a non-profit religious, charitable, or social service organization established in the United States and recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

What is an attorney?  In the United States, an attorney is someone who attended a graduate program in law and received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. In order to practice law in the U.S., the attorney must be a member of a state bar association in “good standing” and must pass an exam given by the state bar association.  An attorney also is called a “lawyer.”     

What courts and immigration agencies can an attorney practice before?  Attorneys licensed to practice law in any state can give legal advice and provide legal services.  They can file papers and applications and represent you before: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), (2) the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), (3) any immigration court, (4) the BIA, and (5) and the state court where he/she is a member of the bar.     

More information available in the attachment.

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Whocanhelpwithimmigrationmatters.pdf	38.6 KB