ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization
under the Visa Waiver Program
This is a system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under
the Visa Waiver Program. This program began accepting applications August 1, 2008. The travel authorization will become mandatory
for Visa Waiver Program travelers on January 1, 2009.
UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW
NOTARIOS AND IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS
In the United States’
complex immigration legal system, “Notarios” or “Immigration Consultants” have become an increasingly
serious problem in immigrant communities. Notarios operate throughout the U.S.
and use false advertising and fraudulent contracts for services which cannot be provided. Notarios present themselves as qualified
to help immigrants obtain lawful immigration status, and may charge a lot of money for help that they never provide. Notarios
cannot even legally inform you which form to use. Often, immigrants’ permanently lose opportunities to pursue
immigration relief because a notario has damaged their case. The ABA-Commission is working to provide immigrant communities
with information about this dangerous practice, and to support advocates who represent immigrants who have been defrauded.
En el sistema legal de inmigración en los Estados Unidos los “Notarios” o “Consultores de Inmigración”
son un problema muy serio para las comunidades inmigrantes. Los notarios operan por todos los Estados Unidos y utilizan
anuncios falsos y contratos fraudulentos para servicios que no pueden proporcionar. Los notarios se presentan como si fueran autorizados a ayudar a los inmigrantes obtener estatus
legal y a veces cobran mucho dinero para servicios que nunca proporcionan. Muchas veces, los inmigrantes pierden para siempre
la oportunidad de pedir alivio migratorio porque un notario ha perjudicado a su caso. La ABA-Comisión está trabajando
para proporcionar información sobre esta práctica peligrosa a las comunidades inmigrantes, y para apoyar las defensoras que
representan a las víctimas.
Source: ABA (American Bar Association,
Web-Site, September 26, 2007
