Q. I have a friend who requires legal expertise regarding the DACA program. What advice may BBB provide?
A. The Trump Administration announced this week the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, potentially putting the nearly 800,000 young immigrants who have received work permits and deportation relief since its inception in August 2012 at risk of deportation.
According to the Pew Research Center, DACA renewals have increased significantly since the program started. Halfway through fiscal 2017, more than 200,000 unauthorized immigrants have renewed their benefits so far. The report indicates that there are 8,000 in Tennessee and in Georgia, 24,000 DACA recipients.
As a result of the DACA announcement, Dreamers, as they are commonly referred to, will be looking for legal advice on how to proceed. While BBB cannot provide legal advice on any matters, we urge consumers to avoid potential DACA and other immigration scams by proactively seeking competent legal assistance rather than responding to unsolicited appeals.
Emotions will be running high in the coming days and weeks and scammers will be looking to take advantage. BBB advice is that the most important thing to remember is never act hastily because it's those rash decisions that scammers depend on.
BBB urges consumers to always check out any business or lawyer with BBB and follow these tips when seeking out any representation:
Be wary of emails, or any unsolicited sales pitches for legal services, especially if they use scare tactics to frighten you into action.
Do not provide confidential information over the phone or via email.
Never pay for bank government forms. They are free. Always ask for an in-person consultation before making any decisions or signing any documents.
Beware of businesses or individuals who guarantee they can get you a Visa, Green Card or Employment Authorization Document. Also, be careful of individuals who claim to be affiliated or have special connections to USCIS.
Don't let anyone keep your original documents, such as your birth certificate or passport. Scammers may keep them until you pay to get them back.
Do not send funds through Western Union or buy prepaid cards - always pay in credit so you can have a paper trail. Never wire money to anyone you do not know.
Never sign a document before reading it entirely or a document that contains obsolete or incorrect information.
Visit www.bbb.org/chattanooga to view business profiles and reliable information by industry Remember to always report scammers. If you've been cheated, report the scam to authorities and BBB Scam Tracker to warn others.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.