Immigration scams are rampant. Here’s how to avoid getting taken

Jon Healey for the Los Angeles Times reports on a widespread problem of “consultants” taking advantage of vulnerable immigrants desperate for hope of lawfully remaining in the United States:

“For several years, Oswaldo Rafael Cabrera touted his services as an immigration attorney in advertisements, social media posts and interviews with Spanish-language news outlets.

Unfortunately for his many clients, Cabrera was not a lawyer. He wasn’t legally qualified to offer any kind of help on immigration matters despite the large fees he charged. Accused of grand theft and other violations, he pleaded guilty in 2017 and was sentenced to 62 months in state prison.

Cabrera is just one example of the many people who prey on immigrants as they try to navigate the labyrinth of U.S. immigration law. Some pretend to be attorneys. Others offer supposedly expert guidance for a fee, even though they are not permitted to do so.

Widespread lack of knowledge about U.S. immigration law and its many requirements makes immigrants vulnerable to being taken. . . . “

The story offers details about the scams and how to avoid them.

KJ