| MUCH has been written about proposals
in Congress that seek to provide a path to legalization for
millions of undocumented aliens in the United States. Among
the measures being considered is a temporary guest worker
program that would not only give visas to workers but could
lead to possible green cards, and eventually to citizenship.
Understandably, there is great anticipation among the
close to 12 million illegal immigrants. As in previous
proposals that have been submitted to Congress, the anxiety
and confusion have resulted in some unscrupulous immigration
consultants already looking for ways to make fast bucks. In
fact, some consultants have been luring people by already
advertising that a guest worker program or amnesty is
already here, and that aliens should start applying for
these benefits right now.
In response, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) recently issued a public notice, advising
people that, as of now, no temporary workers program exists
for aliens unlawfully present in the U.S. USCIS reminded
people that although Congress has been debating immigration
reform legislation, which includes a temporary guest worker
program, such a program has not yet been approved or passed
by Congress.
The USCIS said there are no benefits currently available
under this proposed program, and people should, therefore,
not pay any fees or other money to “any person or
organization claiming they can help apply for or receive
benefits for a temporary worker program.”
In their over-eagerness to finally solve their
immigration problems, people become susceptible to
fraudulent schemes by unscrupulous individuals who will make
promises they cannot fulfill, and then disappear with the
hapless clients’ money. Over the years, thousands of
individuals have fallen prey to these immigration
consultants, whether it be for asylum, fake marriages, fake
jobs, etc. But these consultants never seem to run out of
ideas and opportunities to fleece people out of their
hard-earned money.
Although we all hope that some kind of legalization
program for the millions of illegal immigrants will pass in
Congress and signed into law, these measures are still just
proposals. Unless and until a proposal is passed by both the
Senate and the House, and is signed by the President, it is
not a “law.” It is only a “proposal.”
I suggest that people be aware of, and read the news on
the current debate on immigration reform, so that they would
not be victimized by fraudulent schemes. If you should hear
that a guest worker law was passed, I suggest you consult
with a reputable attorney, to be sure, rather than rely on
rumor, gossip or advice from these consultants. We will
continue to monitor and inform you of new developments on
these proposals. In the meantime, be cautious of immigration
fraud.
| (Editor’s note:
Michael J. Gurfinkel
has been an attorney for over 25 years, and is an active
member of the State Bar of California and New York, as
well as the American Immigration Lawyers Association and
the Immigration Section of the Los Angeles County Bar
Association. He has always excelled in school:
valedictorian in high school; cum laude at UCLA; and law
degree honors and academic scholar at Loyola Law School,
which is one of the top law schools in California. Website:
www.gurfinkel.com
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IMMIGRATION
