Philadelphia considering regulating ‘notarios’
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Philadelphia City Council has been hearing enough complaints about people offering “immigration assistance” that it might start regulating this growing business.
Vanessa Stine is an attorney of the group Friends of Farmworkers. She says people who overstay visas or enter the country illegally are easy prey for “notarios” who offer “immigration assistance.”
“We often hear about promises and guarantees, providers often tell immigrants that they are 100 percent sure they will be able to get them a green card,” Stine said.
Philadelphia City Councilman Dennis O’Brien says having no regulation is a bad idea.
“I believe this leaves people vulnerable to exploitation, fraud financial ruin and family upheaval due to the unscrupulous business practices,” he said.
People testified that if President Obama offers immigrants a path to citizenship, the phony assistance offers will become even more prolific.
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