Unscrupulous "notarios" or "immigration consultants" have become an increasingly serious problem in Oregon's immigrant communities. Notarios often advertise that they are qualified to help immigrants obtain lawful status, or perform legal functions such as drafting wills or other legal documents, even though Oregon law prohibits them from doing so. The advisory opinion "Immigration Practice: Notarios, Translators, and Accredited Representatives", available in English and Spanish, outlines the law on who can provide immigration legal advice.
Unethical notarios often charge a lot of money for help that they never provide. Often, victims permanently lose opportunities to pursue immigration relief because a notario has irreparably damaged their case.
The Oregon State Bar is working with community partners to provide immigrant communities with information about this dangerous practice, and to support advocates who represent victims. Please report notario fraud here. To order copies of Stop Notario Fraud brochures in Spanish, please contact cstich@osbar.org.
