It’s no secret that the United States immigration system can be incredibly complicated to navigate, often leaving those wishing to obtain a visa or green card unsure of how to proceed. Unfortunately, many individuals see overwhelmed and confused filers as targets to scam them out of their funds while impacting their ability to enter the country. As such, it’s important to understand how immigration fraud happens and the steps you can take to protect yourself from those willing to jeopardize your chances of legal entry. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with Virginia immigration lawyers to help you navigate these matters to help you right for the best possible outcome.
What Constitutes Immigration Fraud?
Immigration fraud occurs any time someone uses false or deceptive means to obtain immigration benefits, like green cards or visas. Unfortunately, you’ll find that many individuals who are accused of immigration fraud are unaware that they have perpetrated this act, though some understand that they are not pursuing legal means.
One of the most common ways in which someone may accidentally commit immigration fraud is by investing money in a company that does not exist. Unfortunately, many seeking visas and green cards have been scammed by businesses promising that they will receive these documents in exchange for investment funds, only to discover the company does not exist.
You’ll also find that many immigrants from Latin American countries may be scammed by those who pose as “notarios publicos,” which are highly trained legal professionals who can provide advice and create legal documents. However, in the United States, these individuals cannot handle immigration related matters and are relegated to witness signatures or verify identities. As such, many pose as these individuals with the promise of assistance in immigration services they are not authorized to provide. This can then result in fraud claims against the immigrant, leaving them to face the legal consequences on their own.
However, some forms of immigration fraud may be entered willingly, such as fraudulent marriages to obtain a green card or purchasing fake documentation like Social Security cards or passports.
How Can I Protect Myself from Jeopardizing My Future?
Familiarizing yourself with the common schemes used to defraud those looking for a better life is critical to protecting yourself. Generally, the most important thing you can do when you are seeking entry into the United States is connect with an experienced attorney to assist you in this process. You should always check to ensure that an attorney has the necessary license or accreditation to represent you in legal matters. Additionally, you should be wary of any lawyer who guarantees success, as this is not something legitimate attorneys will engage in.
At Goel & Anderson, our team understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate on your own. That is why our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to help you through the complex immigration process. When you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our team to learn how we may assist you.
