How to Find Immigration Legal Help

Dealing with the immigration system can be confusing and stressful. The process is complicated, information isn't always clear, and mistakes can have serious consequences. Finding legal help when you need it is critical. It's equally important to avoid scams and unqualified individuals who may harm your case.

This guide will help you find trusted legal assistance and protect yourself from fraud, especially notary fraud (scams by notaries public offering fake legal services).

Finding quality immigration legal help

If you need help with an immigration case but can't afford a private lawyer, free and low-cost services are available in Oregon. 

• Oregon Law Help legal directory. Use our Legal Directory to search for organizations offering free or low-cost immigration legal services in your area.
• Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO). ECO is a state-funded program that provides free immigration legal services for eligible immigrants in Oregon, especially those facing deportation. Learn more about ECO here. 
• Oregon's lawyer referral service: If you can afford to hire a private lawyer, the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with qualified immigration lawyers.

Tips for choosing a legal representative

Tip #1: Check their credentials

Make sure the person helping you is a licensed lawyer or an "accredited representative" approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.

You can check if someone is a lawyer by searching the Oregon State Bar Membership Directory. 

• If the lawyer doesn't appear in Oregon's directory, it may be because they are licensed in another state. Immigration lawyers can still practice law in Oregon even if their registration is in another state.
• You can check if they are a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a national association of immigration attorneys, by searching here. 
• To be listed in AILA's directory, a lawyer must be licensed to practice law and meet other requirements. 

If someone is an "accredited representative," that means they are not a lawyer but are legally allowed to help people with some immigration issues, including filing immigration applications. 

Check if someone is an accredited representative on the DOJ Recognition and Accreditation List. 

Tip #2: Ask questions

Ask about their experience with cases like yours and any fees they charge.

Tip #3: Get a free consultation

Many legal aid organizations and lawyers offer free initial consultations. Use a consultation to find out how they can help you.

Read more tips for hiring a lawyer in this article. 

Avoiding immigration fraud

Never take legal advice from someone who is not licensed or qualified. In Oregon, "notarios," or notary publics are not licensed. If you let someone who is not authorized fill out or file your immigration paperwork, it can harm your case and may even lead to deportation. 

In many Spanish-speaking countries, a notary public, or "notario,” is allowed to practice law. But in the United States, a notary public cannot give legal advice, file immigration paperwork for you, or represent you in court.

Common immigration scams

• Guaranteeing fast visas or green cards: Be cautious of anyone who promises quick or guaranteed results.
• Charging for free forms: Immigration forms are free to download from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
• Signing blank forms: Never sign forms that are blank or that you don’t understand.
• False legal advice: Only licensed lawyers or accredited representatives can give legal advice.

How to protect yourself

• Verify credentials: Always ask for proof that someone is a licensed lawyer or accredited representative. See the "Tips for choosing a legal representative" section above.
• Get everything in writing: Ask for receipts, copies of your contract (sometimes called your "retainer agreement"), and any paperwork they prepare for you.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, get a second opinion from a different qualified lawyer or accredited representative. See the "Where to find help" section above. 

Reporting immigration fraud

If you think you’ve been a victim of immigration fraud, there are steps you can take:

1. Report fraud to the Oregon Department of Justice. You can file a complaint online or call 1-877-877-9392.
2. Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission. File a complaint online: Report fraud here
3. Talk to a lawyer: If you've been a victim of immigration fraud, including receiving immigration legal services from a notary public, you should seek the help of a lawyer immediately. Reach out to trusted legal organizations for advice and support. See the "Where to find help" section above. 

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