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Immigration Questions? Talk to a Professional!

Millions of people in this country have questions about immigration. Maybe you have heard new information about immigration law from a friend or family member, or from TV or radio. The truth is that much false information is distributed about immigration laws, especially about who can and cannot get a green card. Before you fill out immigration forms, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or other licensed immigration counselor. Just because someone is a notary public does not mean s/he can legally advise you about immigration or knows anything about immigration law.

If you get bad information from someone claiming to be able to help you, usually for a high price, you will probably spend a lot of money and get nothing in return. But, much worse than that, sending in forms to get your green card when you do not qualify, or trying to become a citizen when you have had certain criminal convictions could cause serious problems for you, even cause you to be deported.

Last year a company in Hillsboro took thousands of dollars from people by misleading them with false information. The company led people to believe that they could get a green card legally if they had children born in this country and had lived here continuously for 10 years. In reality, there are no laws that say this. In the end many people complained to the State Attorney General's office that they had been cheated out of hundreds or, in some cases, thousands of dollars. The company had to pay back $20,000 of the money it wrongfully received.

If you have been cheated out of money by someone without a license who has given you bad immigration advice, you can make a complaint to the State Attorney General's office and they may help you get some or all of your money back. You can call the Attorney General's office directly at the phone number below to get a complaint form. By far the best way to avoid getting cheated by bad immigration advice is to see a licensed immigration professional. Below is a list of a few organizations around the state that have attorneys or licensed immigration counselors who can help you with your immigration needs at a relatively low cost.

To file a consumer complaint with the state:

Attorney General's Office

(Consumer Fraud Section)

Statewide toll free: 1-877-877-9392

Portland: (503) 229-5576

Salem: (503) 378-4320

Immigration Assistance Organizations