To avoid the scams that target immigrants:
- Know who can help. Some specialized lawyers and accredited representatives can help people with immigration. Don’t go to a notario for immigration or legal help.
- Don’t pay for forms. Official immigration forms from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are free. Anyone who tries to charge you is a scammer. (The application fee is for filing the form. Those costs are on the government website.
- Don’t sign blank forms or any form that’s not true. Dishonest notarios or bad lawyers might ask you to do that. It means that they are only trying to take your money.
- There’s no special access or easy way. Don't believe anyone who guarantees they can get you a Green Card or citizenship. There is no special list or early access to a secret process. Those are lies that will cost you money and can your chance to immigrate lawfully.
Last Reviewed: May 19, 2023