International Institute of Rhode Island Urges the Immigrant Community to Seek Services from Accredited Agencies

There are only 2 types of entities recognized by the federal government for assisting individuals in immigration proceedings: attorneys and accredited representatives at accredited agencies.

In the state of Rhode Island there are 3 accredited agencies approved by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA): the International Institute of Rhode Island, the Diocese of Providence’s Office of Immigrants & Refugees, and Progreso Latino.

An accredited agency is a non-profit agency approved by the BIA to provide immigration services to the community at nominal fees. The agency will then apply for an individual’s accreditation, the right to represent clients in immigration proceedings. Accredited representatives normally are licensed for a period of three years. For renewal of accreditation they must provide proof of continual professional development such as maintenance of immigration law knowledge by attending trainings, and access to a large legal reference library.

Notarios, notary publics and immigration consultants may NOT represent you before USCIS. While in many other countries the word “Notario” means that the individual is an attorney, this is not true in the United States and they may not provide the same services that and attorney or accredited representative does.

A notario may NOT:
• Give you legal advice on what immigration benefit you may apply for or what to say in an immigration interview
• Hold him or herself out as qualified in legal matters or in immigration and naturalization procedure

If you are seeking help with immigration questions, you should be very careful before paying money to a non-attorney. Please use the following guidelines to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

How to Protect Yourself from Becoming a Victim:
• DO NOT sign blank applications, petitions or other papers.
• DO NOT sign documents that you do not understand.
• DO NOT sign documents that contain false statements or inaccurate information.
• DO NOT let anyone keep your original documents.
• DO NOT make payments to a representative without getting a receipt.
• DO NOT pay more than a nominal fee to non-attorneys or make payments on the internet.
• DO obtain copies of all documents prepared or submitted for you.
• DO verify an attorney’s or accredited representative’s eligibility to represent you.
• DO report any representative’s unlawful activity to USCIS, State Bar Associations and/or State Offices of Attorneys General.

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call the International Institute at (401) 461-5940.