Velázquez Seeks Crack Down on Notario Fraud

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation aimed at protecting immigrant families from fraudulent "Notarios", public notaries who do not have law degrees, but provide advice on the federal immigration system and often assist immigrants in filling out forms as they pursue visas, work permits and status adjustments. Unfortunately, there have been a multitude of cases throughout the country where unscrupulous actors operating in this profession have defrauded immigrants, made unrealistic promises, incorrectly completed clients' paperwork or falsely claimed to be an attorney.

"In New York City, we've heard of several instances where some of our most vulnerable neighbors were swindled and, in some cases, immigrants were sold deceptive products that they were incorrectly told could shield them against deportation," said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez. "By tightening standards and improving transparency, this bill will help protect some of our most vulnerable neighbors from those that would prey upon them."

Velázquez's bill would authorize $15 million annually for immigrant consumer fraud hotlines and informational websites operated by states or local jurisdictions in conjunction with local nonprofits. An additional new grant program would be funded with $10 million per year for state or local jurisdictions to conduct outreach campaigns against immigration fraud with local stakeholder organizations.

Other reforms in the bill include additional disclosure requirements, clarifying that service providers are not service providers; the right for a client to have an attorney review contracts with immigration service providers; and other protections enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

"Certainly, some notarios provide useful services, but at the same time we need to be certain those paying for these services are receiving what they are promised," Velázquez added. "This legislation will use both federal and local resources to better protect our immigrant communities from those who would take advantage of them and exploit their status for profit."

The legislation was cosponsored by Reps. Marc Veasey (D-TX) and Joe Crowley (D-NY).

"We must ensure that our immigrant communities are protected from fake legal notaries, who are preying on vulnerable families, falsely claiming to be attorneys, and overpromising and under delivering," said Congressman Veasey (D-TX). "This is a critical issue across Texas, and why I've introduced past legislation to bring this issue to light. I strongly support Congresswoman Velázquez's bill to dedicate more resources to combat scams that target these families. We can't let them fall through the cracks – they need to receive proper legal counsel."

"Time and time again, we've heard the devastating stories of fraudulent notarios preying on immigrant communities, scamming families out of money and destroying their dreams," said Congressman Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx). "I'm proud to work with Congresswoman Velazquez and Congressman Veasey in putting forward this legislation to help protect immigrant families from this abusive practice."

A wide range or advocacy organizations endorsed the legislation.

"Notario fraud preys upon the most vulnerable in our communities – new immigrants seeking legal services. We commend Reps. Velázquez, Crowley, and Veasey for introducing this critical bill to help immigrant New Yorkers who have been exploited by those taking advantage of our broken immigration system," said Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition.

"Every day, we hear stories of families falling through the cracks of our outdated, inhumane immigration system. These stories are all the more heartbreaking when they are the result of incompetent—and often malicious—notarios preying on people attempting to do the right thing and file paperwork with the government," said Oscar Chacón, executive director of Alianza Americas. "We applaud Congresswoman Velazquez's leadership in cracking down on notarios and all forms of consumer fraud."

"Immigrant communities are being divided and exploited on multiple levels," said Lakshmi Sridaran, Director of National Policy and Advocacy, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT). "Notario fraud, which has been an enduring problem targeting immigrant families, is even more dangerous in our current environment. We applaud Congressional leadership for introducing the Protecting Immigrant Communities from Consumer Fraud Act to help ensure that immigrant communities receive the timely and appropriate legal services they are entitled to. This bill increases resources for state and local jurisdictions to help meet the need for increased legal support and adds critical accountability measures. We must all be vigilant in protecting immigrant families during a time of heightened attacks, detentions, raids, and deportations."

"As a relatively newer immigrant community, the Nepali-speaking community is quickly growing, but also increasingly susceptible to issues of immigration fraud," said Narbada Chhetri, Director of Organizing and Programs for Adhikaar. "As an immigrant myself, I have also seen and experienced individuals claiming to be immigration attorneys and then delivering on nothing. As the Director of Organizing & Programs at Adhikaar, I have also seen hundreds of community members who have lost thousands of dollars in hopes of gaining legal status, money that could have been used to support their families. This proposed legislation is necessary, especially in this time, as the administration increases measures to further fear in our communities and place them at risk. Now is the time that groups like us and members of Congress must work hand in hand to fight back and fight for our immigrant communities."

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