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How to Avoid Green Card Scams
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There are many people who want to help immigrants obtain permanent residency or citizenship so they can remain in this country. Unfortunately, there are also people who want to take advantage of immigrants and scam them out of their money. Many of these scams revolve around green cards and visas, and it is important to know what they are so that you do not fall prey to them.
Green Card Lottery Scams
Every year the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, also known as the green card lottery, provides up to 50,000 immigrant visas. Scammers may tell you that they can make it easier for you to enter, or increase your odds of being selected. The Program, however, is a lottery and so, no one can give you a better chance of receiving a visa. Organizations are also not allowed to assist with the process. If someone tells you they can do this for you, then he or she is lying to gain access to your information or in the hopes that you will pay for an illegitimate service.
Fees for Visas
The green card lottery is not the only service scammers charge money for. There are also many people that state they can help you obtain a work visa, family visa, or any other type of visa in exchange for a fee. These messages appear on websites, email messages, and even letters. Just like the green card lottery, you can only obtain a visa from official U.S. government entities such as the Department of State, a U.S. embassy or consulate, or the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistance with Visa Applications
You may come across a website that offers to process your visa paperwork or enter you into the green card lottery for a fee. Again, there is no fee to enter the lottery and there is only one way to apply. You must apply to the U.S. Department of State’s website during the registration period.
Fees in Exchange for Government Forms
Government forms pertaining to immigration are relatively easy to find and while there are sometimes filing fees, there are no fees to simply obtain the form. Many websites offer these same forms but charge a fee for them. When they do, it is a sure sign that it is a scam.
How to Avoid Immigration Scams
The best way to avoid immigration scams is to ignore any emails regarding your green card or visa applications that do not come from a “.gov” email address. This extension means the email came directly from a federal agency and is trustworthy. Even when an email does have this extension, always phone the agency directly if you think the email is suspicious.
Lastly, the United States government will never email you to tell you that you have obtained a green card through the lottery. They will also never authorize another company or agency to contact you about your status. Instead, you must check your visa status online.
Were You a Victim of an Immigration Scam? Call an Illinois Immigration Attorney
Those trying to obtain legal residency status face enough obstacles without the worry of scams. If you have been a victim, it is important that you speak to one of our Chicago immigration attorneys at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates. We will advise you of your rights and any potential legal remedies that may be available. We can also help you through the country’s complex immigration system and help you obtain legal residency as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule a confidential meeting with one of our attorneys.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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