While Servicios de La Raza does NOT provide legal services or advice regarding immigration, we present the following factual information as reference for our community, and we will update it as necessary. Please consult with an immigration attorney for help with your specific situation.
We know many of you are looking for immigration advice, so here are some helpful tips to avoid scams:
- Only get help from accredited resources, like an immigration attorney or a representative working for an organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice. Even those who mean well – such as a friend, or a relative – may give you bad advice that can cause problems later.
- Keep in mind that, here in the United States, public notaries—aka a “notario publico,” or “notarios”—are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice.
- Never sign a blank immigration form at a notario business. Signing blank documents can be dangerous.
- Never pay for immigration forms. You can get free legal forms from U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) by visiting their website (uscis.gov).
- If you see an immigration scam, or you think you are the victim of one, report it at www.stopfraudcolorado.gov.
IF YOU WITNESS A RAID
Call the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN) 1-844-864 8341 to report any immigration enforcement activity or someone who has been detained. The Rapid Response Network is a team of volunteers trained to administer a telephone hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
IMMIGRATION AND CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS
These are reputable, trusted organizations where you can learn more, or get support:
1. The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado (ACLU-CO) is the state’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Learn more at: ACLU-CO
2. The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) is a statewide, membership-based coalition of immigrant, faith, labor, youth, community, business and ally organizations founded in 2002 to improve the lives of immigrants and refugees. Learn more at: CIRC
3. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, voluntary bar association that provides continuing legal education, professional services, information, and expertise to more than 16,000 attorneys who practice and teach immigration law. Learn more at: AILA
4. Beware of immigration scams! If you suspect or see an immigration scam, please report it at stopfraudcolorado.gov
You can download additional resources in English and Spanish by clicking HERE.