Did you file your Immigration papers with an attorney or an agency accredited by the INS? If not, read this important advisory.

In the United States there are laws governing the unlawful practice of law. Many new immigrants confuse the role of a Notary Public or individuals who advertise that they do immigration applications. These people are often not qualified to do this.

What is a notary public in the US?
To answer let us state what they are not. They are not lawyers and have received no special education or training to do this job. What is required of them is that they are over 18, read and write English and pass a background check. They do not have the same status as notaries in many parts of Latin America. This can be often very misleading for new immigrants.

Why is this distinction important for immigrant communities?
Many immigrant communities have been the victims of much abuse by "notaries" in their communities. They are often anxious to resolve some immigration issue and rush to somebody who they think is a lawyer and pay exorbitant fees. They think this person can represent them before the Immigration and Naturalization Service in their legal matter or even follow up with their case. This is simply not true. Often they do not find out they have been taken advantage of until they receive a denial or request for information from the INS.

Are "notaries' regulated in Georgia?
Yes they are. Notaries in Georgia must declare that they are not attorneys and they cannot give legal advice or accept any money for legal advice. They are not allowed to make decisions about what immigration benefit to seek for a person or the means to go about doing this. They can be prosecuted if they fail to comply with the regulations.

Immigration law is very complicated and never as simple as just filling out a few forms. When someone submits an application that is incorrect, erroneous or untimely, it can have very severe consequences for the beneficiary. It can even lead to removal from the United States or the lack of other future benefits that the person may have qualified for. It is very important that you seek the advice of an immigration attorney or organizations in Georgia that have been accredited by the immigration and Naturalization Service to practice law on behalf of immigrants.

What can I do if I have been taken advantage of by a notary?
You can contact the State Bar of Georgia Unlicensed Practice of Law Department at (404)527-8743 to report this. "Notarios" are able to continue what they do because their victims are not willing to speak up.

Attorney at Law