In our office we see this more often than we would like.

People who trusted someone for their immigration case… and ended up losing thousands of dollars, years of time, and in some cases, even putting themselves at risk of deportation.

Some discover too late that their “case” was never filed. Others notice when they receive a deportation order… without even knowing that they had an open process.

The reality is clear: immigration scams are on the rise, and the immigrant community is one of the main targets.

That’s why, before you trust your future, you need to know how to verify if a lawyer is really legitimate.

How to Tell if an Immigration Lawyer Is Real

In the United States, not just anyone can practice as a lawyer.

To legally represent someone in an immigration case, the professional must be licensed by the bar of at least one state.

👉 You can check this yourself:

• Ask for the  lawyer’s license number
• Look for his name in the state Bar Association where he claims to be licensed

If it does not appear in that register, it is an immediate warning sign.

The Difference Between a Lawyer and a “Notary”

This is one of the most common mistakes.

In many countries, a “notary” has legal training. But in the United States, a notary public is NOT a lawyer.

👉 And you cannot:

• Representing You in an Immigration Case
• Give you legal advice
• Filing complex paperwork

If someone offers to “fix papers” without being an attorney or accredited representative, you’re at risk.

How to Check if Your Case Was Actually Filed

It’s not enough to trust what they tell you.

👉 You must be able to check this:

• With USCIS: receive an official receipt (I-797) with case number
• In cut: verify with your A-number in the EOIR system or by phone

If you have no way to verify your case, something is not right.

The importance of having access to your own file

Your case is yours. And you must have access to everything.

You must receive:

• Copies of what was presented
• Shipping confirmations
• Clear updates

If someone avoids giving you these documents, it is a red flag.

Why these scams are so dangerous

This is not just money.

We have seen cases where:

• Legitimate processes delayed for years
• Incorrect information was created in the immigration history
• People Ended Up With Deportation Orders Without Knowing It

When they finally seek help… The damage is already much harder to correct.

What to do if you have questions about your case

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.

You can:

• Seeking a Second Legal Opinion
• Request a full review of your case
• Verify directly with USCIS or the court

👉 Acting in time can completely change the outcome.

Key recommendations to protect yourself

Before starting any immigration process:

• Check the lawyer’s license
• Don’t sign documents you don’t understand
• Keep copies of everything
• Be wary of quick promises
• Get informed from reliable sources

Your immigration case is too important to be left in the wrong hands.

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Many people become aware of the problem when it is already urgent… when they receive a notice, a court date, or even an arrest.

👉 You don’t have to get to that point.

If you have doubts about your case or want to make sure everything is okay, it’s best to check now.

📞 Call 202-709-6439 for a free evaluation with our team.

⚖️ This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.