Stay Informed: Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams Related to New Processes for Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens
Updated: Oct 29
Historical Information Notice: This article preserves the context and scope of its original publication on 08/26/2024. Laws, policies, procedures and fees may have changed. Do not rely on it as a current filing or action guide. Consult a qualified attorney about current requirements and their application to your circumstances.
With the recent announcement of a new immigration process for spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, there has been a surge of interest—and, unfortunately, a surge in scams. Scammers are quick to exploit changes in immigration policy, preying on individuals seeking to navigate the complex process of applying for lawful permanent residence. They may contact you by phone, email, or text, claiming to have insider access or offer to help you apply immediately for a fee. These are fraudulent claims. Here’s how to protect yourself, determine your eligibility, and avoid immigration scams.
Important Information About the New Process
USCIS announced that it would begin accepting applications under this process on 08/19/2024. This initiative was intended to allow certain spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to seek parole in place and, if independently eligible, pursue lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. Parole itself did not confer permanent residence.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
Scammers often create fake websites that mimic official government pages, invent non-existent immigration programs, and make false promises of expedited processing or special access. Here’s how to protect yourself and identify these scams:
No Special or Early Access: Be wary of anyone claiming early or special access to the immigration process. Check the USCIS Keeping Families Together announcement.
Seek Qualified Immigration Help: Seek immigration advice from a licensed attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative working for a recognized organization. Do not assume a notario is authorized to practice law.
Do Not Pay for Forms or Sign Blank Documents: Official USCIS forms are available free. Government filing fees and professional service fees are separate. Never sign blank forms or documents you do not understand.
Spread the Word: Share verified information to help protect immigrant communities from scams.
Stay Vigilant and Informed
The key to avoiding immigration scams is staying informed and vigilant. Always verify information from official government sources and be skeptical of unsolicited offers promising quick or special access. Protect yourself and your loved ones by knowing your rights and the proper procedures.
Conclusion
As changes in immigration policy emerge, staying informed and cautious is important. Seek qualified advice and verify the announced procedure through official sources. No one can sell special influence or guarantee approval; legitimate government filing fees and authorized processing services are different from promises of special access.
Legal Disclaimer. Originally published: 08/26/2024. This article provides general information only and is not legal advice for any particular matter. Laws, policies, procedures, fees and agency practices may change; their application depends on the facts and jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney about your circumstances before acting on this information. Reading this article or contacting Blumsack & Canzano does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions.
