Attorney General Acknowledges HBA-DC for Work on Notario Fraud Bill

On April 29, 2016, the Attorney General of the District of Columbia, Karl A. Racine, submitted legislation to the Council of the District of Columbia to fight “Notario Fraud.”  Unscrupulous “notarios” or “immigration consultants” often hold themselves out as qualified to help immigrants obtain lawful status.  Often, victims permanently lose opportunities to pursue immigration relief because a notario has damaged their case.  Among other things, the legislation would permit only licensed attorneys, individuals qualified under federal law, non-profit organizations, and legal clinics to perform immigration services. Former HBA-DC President Fernando Rivero initiated the drafting of the legislation, a draft of which was presented to the Office of the Attorney General earlier this year.  The legislation, as introduced, is available here.