HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
An immigration lawyer can help you in the following ways:
- Analyze the facts of your case thoroughly.
- Explain all the benefits for which you may be eligible.
- Recommend the best ways for you to obtain legal status.
- Complete and submit your applications properly.
- Stay current on the new laws that affect you.
- Avoid delays and problems with your case whenever possible.
- Discuss the status of your case with you.
- Speak for you in discussions with the Department of Homeland Security or represent you in court.
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File necessary appeals and waivers.
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Notaries, consultants, service bureaus, travel agents, or others who promise quick, easy solutions to immigration problems.
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Anyone who guarantees they can get you a visa for a certain fee.
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Lawyers from other countries who do not know U.S. laws and are not licensed to practice in the U.S.
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People who say they "know someone" who has an "inside track" or anyone who wants money to influence or bribe.
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Be wary of unlicensed operators! They are not accountable to anyone. They are known for taking people's money and doing nothing. Or worse, they may lie to the government in your name for a quick, simple solution that in the end may result in your deportation or permanent exclusion from the U.S.
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If you are not sure whether the person offering you immigration services is a lawyer or an accredited representative, ask to see the accreditation letters or U.S. bar admission certificate. If you are still not sure, call the State Bar Association. Remember, in the United States it is illegal to practice law without a license . http://www.ailf.org/imms/im_legal.asp
Protect yourself, your family and your business!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. 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.
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.
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 http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/statspub/raroster.htm
Be careful who you listen to!
- 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.
- Check out http://www.ailf.org/imms/im_legal.asp for information in english and Spanish to help you understand what an immigration lawyer can do.
Office: Blue Ridge Immigration Law Center, PLLC
9 N 3rd St., Suite 107
Warrenton, VA 20186
Donusia@BRILC.NET
Telephone: 540.878.5740
© Copyright 2008-2012 Blue Ridge Immigration Law Center, PLLC