California Attorney General Warns Of Scams Linked To White House Immigration Order
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — State officials issued a consumer alert Tuesday warning residents in the Southland and across California to beware of scammers targeting illegal immigrants who want to take advantage of President Barack Obama's newly announced executive order on immigration.
Attorney General Kamala Harris warned residents that the president's immigration orders have not been implemented, so immigrants should beware of anyone offering to help them submit applications or perform other paperwork for a fee.
Harris also warned people to be wary of people who may present themselves as attorneys but who are actually only immigration consultants with limited legal authority, and who may overcharge for the services they can offer.
The consumer alert specifically took aim at immigration consultants who are not licensed attorneys and who cannot offer any services unless they have an immigration consultant bond.
Spanish-speaking residents can also visit a federal website that offers free immigration information for which Harris says some scammers may try to charge a fee.
The president's order would grant relief to immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least five years and are the parents of children who are American citizens or legal residents. Many immigrants in California have deeper roots than other states and could be the main beneficiaries of this plan.
The existing program that offers temporary protection for "Dreamers," young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, would also be expanded by eliminating the limit on the age of the people who qualify.
Republicans are discussing how to best respond to Obama's order. Currently, Democrats rule the Senate but that will change come January when the GOP becomes a majority in the Senate, along with the House of Representatives.
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