Many people are asking whether this announcement means that they can apply to fix their status, or if it represents an opportunity for them to turn themselves in to immigration authorities, set things straight, and receive a work permit.
However, as pointed out in our last post, this announcement refers only to an administrative change on how current deportation cases will be addressed. So, it is extremely important to have the facts straight in order to be protected from dishonest individuals and immigration scams.
Here are some important tips that will help you avoid fraud:
This announcement does NOT grant amnesty. It does NOT grant legal status.
Do NOT believe anyone who tells you that they can sign you up for a work permit or get you legal status based on the August 18, 2011 announcement.
Do NOT turn yourself in to immigration officers with the hope of obtaining a work permit. There is NO “safe” way to turn yourself in and apply for a work permit. There is NO guarantee that your case will be deemed “low priority “ and you may be putting yourself at risk of being detained and even deported.
Do NOT seek advice from immigration consultants or notaries. Consult an immigration attorney about your specific case.
For more information, check out stopnotariofraud.org, a website put together by our partners at the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
This post originally appeared on Reform Immigration For America.
