Immigrants warned to beware of ‘notarios' offering legal services
South Florida legislators are joining advocates to warn immigrants, whether or not they are in the country legally, to watch out for unqualified professionals offering legal services to keep them from being deported.
With the current political landscape driving immigrants to law offices throughout the state, some advocates are pointing to a professional title that often gets lost in translation from Spanish to English.
In South American countries, a 'notario publico' is a legal professional close in status to a lawyer, able to provide services and charge accordingly. In the U.S., a 'notary public' is someone authorized by the state to verify signatures on legal documents, administer oaths and perform weddings. While the two terms look similar, neither is a translation of the other.
That could cause confusion for people who have questions about their legal status, asylum applications and work permits, among other issues.
'Ensuring [immigrants] have access to legitimate legal representation and protection from fraud is not just a moral imperative — it is a matter of public safety and economic stability,' said Florida House Rep. Johanna López, D-Orlando, who filed a bill (HB 915) with Rep. Marie Woodson, D-Hollywood, aiming to keep providers honest about their qualifications.
'Notario fraud remains a persistent problem in Florida,' Woodson said. 'Our proposed legislation seeks to require clearer disclosure requirements for non-attorneys offering immigration-related services.'
The senate version of the bill (SB 846) was filed by Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton.
'Due to the high priority this Legislature and Governor has placed on immigration, I hope that our legislation will be a priority,' Polsky said.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. Follow him on Threads.net/@rafael.olmeda.
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