While United States citizens discuss the issues contentiously, there are hundreds of people looking for a second chance.  Consequently, when there is someone who is vulnerable, there is another ready to take advantage of the situation.  Immigrants seeking lawful status must follow precise procedures and file the appropriate paper work with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Many immigrants appealing for legal status find the forms confusing and may need help with the forms. Unfortunately, many stumble unawares upon unscrupulous “helpers”.  In the quest for immigration consulting, make sure you are dealing with a credible and bonded immigration consultant.

Immigration consultants serve only to assist with filling out pre-printed USCIS forms, aid in gathering information or documentation, and help with translation of document.  The applicant must provide the information to the immigrant consultant who must then answer as directed.  An immigration consultant provides a valuable assistance, but he or she is not a attorney and may not function in giving any legal advice, analyze or interpret laws, recommend actions, speak for you, file appeals or waivers, or represent you in court.  Once the application is complete, the advocate may not file the documents.  These are all functions of legal consul, an immigrant lawyer.

It is important to recognize that a person can advertise as an immigrant consultant and have next to zero experience.  Some may be well trained and have some legal background and some may not.  There is no certification required to perform as an immigration consultant.  Of some interest is that “Notarios”, particular to Latin American, have no legal qualifications and may not act as legal support in the U.S.  One must never sign a contract or blank document with an immigrant consultant and always get a receipt.  These folks never have special contacts within the USCIS!

One clue of the legitimacy of an Immigrant consultant is the posting of an Immigration consultant bond.  Immigration surety bonds, of $50,000, are required by the California Secretary of State’s Office.  Consultants risk criminal charges if they do not comply.  An immigration consultant surety bond is one assurance that the advocate you have chosen will perform in a professional and legal manner.

Immigrant surety bonds are available through Surety1, Surety Solutions Insurance Services, Inc.  Surety 1 is a leader in the bonding business and strives to make the immigration bonding process straight forward and expedient.  Look to Surety 1 for all bonding needs.

When applying for an immigration consultant bond there are no broker, process, or underwriting fees with Surety 1.  At Surety Solutions you will find fast, friendly service for a immigration consultant surety bond with a knowledgeable staff and competitive rates.