Who Can Answer Your Immigration Questions
| Private Attorneys | Call the American Immigration Lawyers Association at 1-800-954-0254 for a referral to a licensed immigration attorney near you. |
| Nonprofit Accredited Representatives | Attorneys or accredited representatives at Board of Immigration Appeals-recognized nonprofit organizations. Find a full directory at immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory |
How to Avoid Immigration Fraud
Only go to a licensed attorney or Department of Justice accredited representative if you have immigration questions. Notaries or Notary Publics are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. Attorneys from other countries who are not licensed by a US state cannot give legal advice.
- Lawyers must have a license from a US state to practice law — ask to see their law license
- Accredited representatives must be accredited and work for an agency recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals — ask to see their accreditation documents and confirm it is not expired
- Never sign an application that contains false information
- Review all information on an immigration application carefully before signing
- Never sign a blank form
- Always ask for copies of everything you sign
- Be skeptical of social media and other advertisements promising quick or new immigration relief
- If advice sounds too good to be true, get a second opinion before filing any application
Be Alert for Digital Scams
The US government — including DHS, USCIS, ICE, and the State Department — will NEVER contact you via WhatsApp or social media. If you receive an unexpected message or call from someone claiming to be an immigration officer or government official, do not respond, do not share personal information, and do not send or transfer money for any reason. If in doubt, consult an attorney or accredited representative before taking any action.
- With limited exceptions, the US government generally does not contact individuals by phone
- Do not wire or transfer money to pay a “processing fee” or for any other reason based on an unsolicited contact
- If you receive a suspicious call or message, consult an attorney or accredited representative before responding or taking any action
What You Should Know
You cannot apply for lawful permanent residency simply because you have been in the United States for a long time — unless you have lived here continuously since January 1, 1972.
- If you apply for immigration benefits you do not qualify for, the Department of Homeland Security may start removal proceedings against you, which could result in deportation
- A lawful permanent resident may lose that status if they commit a crime or are outside the United States for more than six months without advance permission from DHS
If You Are a Victim of Immigration Fraud, Report It
If you believe you have been a victim of immigration fraud, report it immediately. Below are reporting resources by state.
Illinois and Chicago
| Office | Contact | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney General of Illinois | 1-800-386-5438 or 1-866-310-8398 (Spanish) | illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Rights-of-the-People/civil-rights/Immigration |
| Cook County State’s Attorney | Consumer Fraud Complaint Form | cookcountystatesattorney.org/consumer-fraud-complaint-forms |
| City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection | Call 311, CHI311 app, or 311.chicago.gov | BACP Consumer Protection Services |
| Illinois Registration and Disciplinary Commission | File a complaint online | iardc.org/Home/FileComplaint |
Indiana
| Office | Contact | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney General of Indiana | 1-800-382-5516 | in.gov/attorneygeneral |
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Published by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC).