BEWARE OF DUBIOUS ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION: Too often prospective clients come to us to help fix the damage that has been done by either a prior attorney, someone pretending to be an attorney, or by failing to consult with an attorney. The damages we see not only include loss of money, but more seriously it can jeopardize the prospective client's and his/her family's stay in the United States.

Often times an attorney or someone pretending to be an attorney assures the prospective client that they can file certain applications with immigration for them. But they either don't know or fail to inform the prospective client of the consequences of filing such an application that may lead to their deportation and removal. However, you can protect yourself and obtain a second or third opinion from a licensed attorney. Better yet, most attorneys who devote their practice and career to the immigration field are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and/or is board certified in Immigration and Nationality Law, which can be easily confirmed. So protect yourself.

THINKING OF MARRIAGE FRAUD, DON'T: It amazes me how many prospective clients I see who comes to me to fix the damage that has been done because of marriage fraud. If you're thinking about marrying for the sake of immigration convenience, DON'T. It's that simple. INA section 204(c) provides a bar against future petitions for that person for the rest of his/her life. Not only will U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) deny your petition and application, they'll deport you.

BEWARE OF U.S. BIRTH CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY MIDWIVES: Recently there has been a noticeable increase in stories about the authenticity of U.S. birth certificates issued by midwives. The U.S. government, including the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security have aggresively questioned these birth certificates. It is crucial to consult an immigration attorney in order to understand the possible consequences of presenting such documents. And of course, it goes without saying, don't sign any waiver or relinquishment of U.S. citizenship. http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Complaints-rise-over-border-crossing-3691990.php