How to find real help

Only two kinds of people may lawfully represent you before immigration authorities. Knowing which is which protects you from the most common and most damaging fraud in this system.

Who may represent you

Under 8 CFR 292.1, representation before DHS is limited to a defined set of people. Everyone else — including notaries, consultants, travel agents and translators — may not give legal advice or represent you, whatever they charge.

• Licensed attorneys. An attorney admitted to the bar of any US state may represent you before DHS anywhere in the country. Immigration is federal, so a lawyer licensed in one state can help with a case in another.
• EOIR-accredited representatives. Non-attorneys accredited by the Department of Justice, working at a DOJ-recognized organization. Accreditation is tied to the organization; it does not travel with the person.
• DOJ-recognized organizations. Nonprofits recognized by the Department of Justice, providing services at no cost or for nominal fees only.

Free and low-cost options come first. The Department of Justice publishes a list of pro bono legal service providers by state, and it costs nothing to start there. We also carry a directory of immigration attorneys who pay a flat annual fee to be listed — those are advertisements, they are ordered alphabetically, and we do not evaluate or recommend any of them.

Warning signs of notario fraud

In much of Latin America a notario público is a licensed attorney. In the United States a notary public has no authority to give legal advice. Trading on that confusion is the defining move of this fraud.

• Calls themselves a notario or notario público
• Guarantees a specific outcome — nobody can
• Will not give you copies of what was filed on your behalf
• Asks you to sign blank forms, or forms you cannot read
• Advises you to lie, or fills in facts you did not give
• Cash only, no written contract or receipt
• Claims a special relationship with USCIS or a judge — no such thing exists
• Pressures you to decide immediately

If it has already happened

Reporting is possible regardless of immigration status, and many agencies accept anonymous reports. Report to the Federal Trade Commission, USCIS, or your state attorney general.

This page will never be behind a paywall, and we will never take a fee for referring you to anyone.

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Data updated October 2, 2026