NEWEST IN IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION
There are positive changes in immigration policy, but there are no new immigration programs to apply for.
The new year and the new federal administration brought good news about changes in immigration policy. President Biden and Congress have introduced new bills that provide important steps to bolster a disrupted immigration system and offer stability, fairness and citizenship to millions of immigrants in the country.
These are critical changes, and it's no coincidence that New Yorkers are so excited about the news. At the same time, however, we must warn city dwellers to understand what these new trends can mean for them and their families and to beware of immigration fraud. There are many ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Below we provide information that New Yorkers need to know to avoid immigration fraud.
There are no new visas or applications to fill out.
While we are pleased with the new positive trends in national immigration policy, New Yorkers should remember that there are currently no legislative changes, and therefore no new ways of obtaining citizenship have emerged.
Some immigration service providers, such as notaries or dishonest lawyers, may try to take advantage of the post-news mess by offering immigrants living in New York City applications for non-existent visas or other unavailable legal benefits.
How do I get free, safe immigration legal assistance?
For more information and answers to questions about the latest trends in immigration policy, New Yorkers can contact ActionNYC at 800-354-0365, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. ActionNYC offers city-funded, free and secure immigration legal assistance, including due diligence on immigration status and legal representation through a network of trusted community organizations. Help is provided in your language and includes information about other community resources and support services. ActionNYC services are available to all New Yorkers - immigration status doesn't matter.
Only lawyers and accredited representatives, such as those working for non-profit organizations in the ActionNYC network, can provide legal advice on immigration matters or represent you in your immigration case. Scammers can promise green cards and other immigration benefits to get your money back. In particular, it is common for notaries or consultants to promise to help because they have an easy way to get a green card quickly (for example, through new bills from the Biden administration), or claim to have special influence over the immigration authorities. You shouldn't believe such promises. Lawyers and accredited representatives should always be honest with you about the options available and the risks involved, even if the news is disappointing.
Here are some tips to avoid cheating:
Do not sign blank or partially completed immigration forms and always read them carefully before signing. Remember, you are responsible for all documents you sign that are submitted to government agencies.
Do not give the originals of your documents to anyone, only copies.
Make copies of all forms submitted to government agencies on your behalf.
Ask for a receipt showing the name, surname, and address of your service provider and the services you receive.
If in doubt, consult another professional.
Are you a victim of fraudulent activities?
If you think someone is trying to cheat you, you can file a complaint. To do this, call 311 and say "immigration service provider" or visit the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) website at nyc.gov/ dcwp to file a complaint in your language. You do not need to provide your first name, last name or immigration status to file a complaint.
Additional resources to help avoid cheating, including a resource guide in your language, can be found at nyc.gov/immigrantfraud.
We continue to advocate for critical changes in immigration policy and want every New Yorker to enjoy the right to find and receive reliable information resources and the support they need.
This information was originally published in the Queens Chronicle.
Bitta Mostofi (Bitta Mostofi),
Head of the City Hall
Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA)
Photo credit Lagunova Marina
