The American Bar Association’s (ABA) top official recently issued a warning about “Notarios” who may try to take advantage of young immigrants following the launch of the federal government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows certain undocumented residents brought to the U.S. as children to avoid deportation.
“The ABA is also concerned that some individuals will use this program to exploit young people who are understandably daunted by the paperwork requirements,” ABA President Laurel G. Bellows said in a statement. She reiterated that self-styled “Notarios” are not licensed lawyers and are unqualified to offer legal advice.
Bellows recommended immigrants consult with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative to seek assistance with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The NNA also provides information to the public about the difference between U.S. Notaries Public and “Notarios” here. Non-attorney Notaries should never provide unauthorized legal advice on immigration matters and must always follow state laws regarding advertising notarial services in foreign languages to avoid implying that they are lawyers.