Immigration News & Opinion
Sat - May 19, 2012

BBB.org, January 31. In some Latin America countries, a notario is a lawyer. In others, the title denotes someone who holds public office. In the United States, however, a notary is simply someone legally empowered to witness and certify documents and take affidavits and depositions. These two words and their respective descriptions are causing major headaches for Spanish-speaking immigrants, according to Debora Wagner, managing attorney for Colorado Legal Services in Greeley, Colo., because notarios are preying on the misunderstanding between these two words.“They are giving legal advice, taking people’s money and not helping them with their immigration cases,” she said. One notario went so far as to claim she worked for Colo. Sen. Bennett’s office. Whether you’re renewing a Green Card, becoming a citizen or trying to choose the right forms, immigration issues can be complicated and it’s important to do things right.