Beware of immigration frauds

United States, November 28: The fact that a large number of foreign nationals seek legal immigration to United States every year has authenticated the image of America as being a symbol of freedom and liberty.

US not only provides an opportunity for legal immigration to a great number of people but also helps them fulfill their American Dream by becoming successful doctors, lawyers or entrepreneurs.

However, a common problem faced by a majority of immigrants in Colorado working towards gaining citizenship is falling prey to immigration fraudsters. And the most vulnerable among the immigrants are those lack mastery over English.

Immigrants seeking consultation or assistance are likely to get allured and cheated by the deceptive practices of fraudsters who want to prohibit them from becoming legal citizens of U.S.

Recently, a Colorado immigration center, Colorado Springs, was shut down falling reports of fraudulent practices being carried by it.

The official forms available free from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services were sold by Colorado’s Immigration Center for $300 to $900. However, the fact that the immigration center charged the same filing fees as charged by US Citizenship and Immigration Services misled the applicants that it was a government approved center.

Moreover, the proprietor of the center (Charles Doucette) and his staff presented themselves as affiliate of the federal government. Taking a cue from such immigration fraudsters, the government is probing such other businesses.

For protecting the innocent immigrants from falling prey to fraudsters, the following guidelines need to be considered-

• Always make relevant enquiry about any center posing as an affiliate of the federal government.

• Get a written contract from the immigration center.

• Do not sign any blank documents.

• Always provide photocopies instead of original documents to immigration consultant or attorney.

• Do not go for any immigration center that demands upfront payment.

• Enquire credentials of centers providing immigration legal services.

• Search website of Colorado Supreme Court to verify the legal credentials of the immigration center.

However, if any immigration center has cheated you, immediately contact the local district attorney’s office of the Attorney General’s Office for getting requisite help.