DACA: Tips to avoid scams in the application process
After it was announced that the DACA program will be maintained, here's a rundown of useful tips to help avoid scams if you are a beneficiary of the scheme.
College leaders and higher education groups across the country applauded the Supreme Court's ruling against the Trump administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. However the decision taken on Thursday was only a temporary reprieve that has not resolved the fates of thousands of young undocumented immigrants in the United States.
DACA application process - beware of scams
The DACA application process lasts around six months before someone finds out whether they are approved or not. And there are groups of scammers and fraudsters who try to take advantage of undocumented immigrants as they move through the process.
“Immigration scams have taken advantage [of applicants] in the past and they play with the hopes and dreams of those that seek a better life in the United States and that is unacceptable,” said attorney general Xavier Becerra.
The Californian prosecutor noted that the DACA program remains in effect to protect some 700,000 immigrants, known as Dreamers, from deportation. Current beneficiaries and potential DACA applicants, he said, must be vigilant and cautious when going through the procedures so as not to be victims of scammers.
“It is important to always be cautious about offers that seem too good to be true. That is why my office is issuing a series of key recommendations to avoid falling victim to fraudulent immigration consultants. It is a time to celebrate, but also to remain alert. Here at the California Department of Justice, we will continue to do everything we can to defend everyone’s rights, no matter who or where they come from, ”he added.
“Individuals interested in applying for DACA are encouraged to seek reliable legal assistance for additional information and to learn about their legal options. DACA beneficiaries and their families are also encouraged to know their rights, learn more about legitimate immigration resources, and seek reliable legal assistance, if needed, ”he says in the alert published this Saturday.
Recommendations when applying for DACA
The California Attorney General’s Office offered the following tips to DACA beneficiaries to protect themselves:
- Do not hire an immigration advisor or notary.
- Do not hire an immigration attorney until you confirm that the person is licensed to practice law.
- Do not pay for immigration forms.
- Do not pay for immigration services until you have received, read and understood your written contract.
- Be careful not to deliver original documents to anyone.
- Do not sign immigration forms that include incorrect information or blank spaces.
- Do not give money or personal information to callers on the phone.
- Keep copies of all documents related to your immigration matter.