Notario Fraud

In many Central and South American countries, notary publics have more legal authority than in the United States, where their duties are primarily witnessing and acknowledging signatures on important documents, and administering oaths. 

People who are immigrating to the United States, and who speak a language other than English may confuse our term “Notary Public” with “Notarios Públicos”, and assume that a Notary Public can help them with filing citizenship papers. They cannot. They are not lawyers.

Only the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and individuals who are certified by USCIS can help you with immigration. They are called “accredited representatives.” An accredited representative does not have to be a lawyer. But they can give you legal advice on your immigration. Lawyers who specialize in immigration can also help you.