Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Hello there,

My parents, siblings and I went to a notary in order to get my siblings and mother their permanent residence card. My mother was able to get hers but my siblings weren't. We recently went to another immigration service to investigate about the case and they said they need a copy of the original adjustment which the notary has or we can pay for a copy (my family and I prefer the former). I called up the notary to get back the papers and he said the law told him he needed to burn those papers. Is it true that the law tells notaries to burn such papers after a couple of years or is the notary lying. If it turns out the notary is lying about it, can I obligate this man to pay the replacements? Thank you in advance.


Asked on 7/22/13, 10:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Marlene Hemmings Marlene Hemmings, Attorney at Law

The notary is lying. Moreover, you should never use a notary service. They are not licensed attorneys & have no idea what they are doing. You should report the notary to the authorities:

CA State Bar:

1-800-843-9053. You should send supporting documents or other information to: The State Bar of California, Office of the Chief Trial Counsel, Intake Unit, 1149 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015-2299, Attn: UPL Project.

CA Attorney General:

Consumers can report suspected scam artists by contacting the Attorney General�s Public Inquiry Unit. Consumer complaints may be filed:

� Online using the complaint form at http://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/advisory

� Toll-free in California 1-800-952-5225

� or (916) 322-3360.

You can file a FOIA request to get copies of anything you filed with USCIS. See www.uscis.gov & search "FOIA" for more information.

As for recouping your money, you can try to sue the notary in small claims court.

I highly suggest you use a licensed, experienced immigration attorney in the future.

Good luck!

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Answered on 7/23/13, 8:52 am


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