BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — With the Supreme Court's decision to allow the federal government to terminate Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, protections for Haiti and Syria, Attorney General Andrea Campbell is urging Haitian and Syrian immigrants in the state to seek legal advice.
"This is an uncertain and difficult time for thousands of Massachusetts families. As we continue to urge the federal government to reverse course and extend TPS, I encourage everyone affected to review their legal options and speak with a qualified immigration attorney as soon as possible," said Campbell in a statement. "My office is committed to helping our immigrant communities understand their rights, connect with trusted legal resources, and avoid scams by individuals who falsely claim they can provide legal services."
Those seeking help from an immigration lawyer are encouraged to visit the Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder, the MIRA Immigration Helpline or the Nationwide Immigrant Lawyer Search.
Campbell said anyone recently detained by ICE should call the Legal Representation Fund at 617-637-8195. Families of those detained by ICE and also call the Legal Representation Fund at 617-396-7143.
Campbell is warning immigrants to be aware of immigration scams, or "notario fraud." She's reminding immigrants to check if someone is a licensed attorney or accredited representative through the Board of Bar Overseers or the Recognition and Accreditation Program.
As a reminder, you should never have to pay to access immigration forms; they're all available to download for free from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You should also never sign a blank form or a contract you don't understand and should ask for documents to be translated, if needed. You should also gets copies of every document you sign and documents filed on your behalf and to always keep your original personal documents, like your passport or birth certificate.
Anyone suspected of an immigration scam should be reported to the Attorney General's Civil Rights Division or by calling 617-963-2917.
Information on notario fraud can be found on the Attorney General's website.