Tierney Blog

State AGs Take Action Against Immigration Services Fraud

/

There are reports of a jump in fraud against immigrants seeking immigration legal services. State AGs have been using their civil and criminal tools to combat this type of exploitation.

Following a months-long undercover operation, the NJ OAG just announced that it’s seeking civil penalties against 28 businesses for selling immigration services they weren’t authorized to provide.

Back in July, the Washington AG followed up on earlier civil actions by filing criminal charges for contempt and prohibited practices against two individuals who had repeatedly defrauded immigrants by selling immigration services they were not qualified to provide.

And earlier in 2018, the Cal DOJ filed criminal charges against three individuals who allegedly defrauded undocumented immigrants and families seeking lawful permanent residence in the US.  The charges now include 32 counts of felony grand theft,  conspiracy, and violations of the state’s UPL statute and immigration consultant law.

These are just three examples.  For more, check the State Center’s Consumer Protection Report by searching for “notario” or “immigration” where you’ll find actions taken by other states including Nevada, Illinois, and Texas.  These cases can provide a model for other AGs who are surely hearing reports of similar exploitation among vulnerable residents.

For more resources on immigration services fraud, see our earlier post on notario fraud (by Faisal Sheikh now at the ACS State AG Project), the ABA’s Fight Notario Fraud Project, or manuals, like this one, drafted by nonprofits that focus on immigration services.

A Valuable Study of State AG Actions on Behalf of Immigrants

/

In a recent post on ACS Blog, Jonathan Miller, Chief of the Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau in the Office of the MA Attorney General, provides a thoughtful study of the ways in which some state attorneys general are responding on behalf of immigrants to new federal immigration policies.  

Reviewing the range of litigation, Miller points out that lawsuits tell "only a piece of the story of the work by State AGs and many of their counterparts at the local level in support of immigrant communities." His post then looks at other ways in which AGs are responding, including enforcement actions protecting immigrants against abuses from landlords, employers, and others, and connecting with groups that serve as trusted partners for immigrants.

I learned from reading Jon's post, and I think you will, too.

NJ AG Gurbir Grewal on Faith and the Law

/

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, who was recently the target of racial taunting by local radio hosts, usually (and wisely) avoids most of the interview requests he receives. But from time-to-time, he opens up, as he does in this thoughtful piece. It is worth reading.

How an AG Makes Litigation Decisions

/

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson gave a talk last week at Gonzaga Law School where he outlined the step-by-step approach he used in making his decision to challenge President Trump's Executive Order. This brief excerpt provides insight not only into this high profile case, but also into just how it is that attorneys general make litigation decisions. This is a must listen for lawyers and non-lawyers alike.

Appeals Court Upholds AG Ferguson's Victory Against Trump's Immigration Order

/
“No one is above the law, not even the President. The President should withdraw this flawed, rushed and dangerous Executive Order, which caused chaos across the country. If he refuses, I will continue our work to hold him accountable to the Constitution.”
— Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson

Speaking at a press conference Thursday afternoon, AG Ferguson said, "People on both sides have strong feelings on this issue, but we should all agree on the Constitution."

[UPDATED] Democratic AGs Coordinate to Challenge Immigration Order: Washington AG First to File Suit

/

[Updated - Feb. 6, 2017]. Democratic attorneys general are working in a highly coordinated manner on challenges to President Trump's Executive Order temporarily banning immigration of refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. Washington AG Bob Ferguson was the first to file, and his efforts will soon generate support from his like minded colleagues, who consider themselves the "thin blue line" against what they believe to be federal lawlessness. 

Note the similarity in strategy to the efforts of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who last year filed suit in a Texas District Court and generated a national injunction against then President Obama's 2014 Immigration Order.  AG's are again showing that they are significant factors in national issues.

 

[UPDATED] State Attorneys General Respond to President Trump’s Refugee Ban

/

[Updated - Jan. 30, 2017] State attorneys general wasted no time in responding to President Trump’s Executive Order banning refugees, particularly Muslim refugees, from war-torn Syria and other Muslim majority countries. 17 state attorneys general issued a joint statement condemning the actions as “unconstitutional, un-American and unlawful.”

Vermont Attorney General Launches Immigration Task Force

/

New Vermont AG T.J. Donovan took a wise step this week in appointing a committee to advise him on immigration matters. Traditionally an area where federal law dominates, states and cities are taking their own steps and Donovan has taken the initiative to get as much information as possible before he makes the difficult decisions to come. Further, Donovan, who is a Democrat, has invited GOP legislative leadership to join the process. Other AG's would be wise to follow suit.

New York Attorney General Issues Guidance on Protecting Immigrant Communities in the Wake of Increased Immigration Enforcement

/

In anticipation of the changing landscape in federal immigration enforcement, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued important legal guidance to localities and law enforcement agencies regarding the responsibilities and limits of participating in immigration enforcement.

Well-Trained Police Working with Prosecutors Safeguard Against Hate Crimes

/

Hate crimes are increasing and law enforcement is responding as described in my hometown newspaper where well-trained local police got the facts, communicated them to a skilled District Attorney who in turn sent the file to the Attorney General for a final decision.

The message was therefore immediately sent to this Muslim community, and the entire state, that hate violence will not be tolerated. Treating hate as a serious crime results in the deterrence that produces public safety, which is the goal of law enforcement.

Too many well-meaning philanthropists and academics miss the vital role that well-trained police and prosecutors play in keeping us all safe, and that is a shame.

  • AG to investigate Burger King assault as possible hate crime, Sun Journal (Nov. 25, 2016).

AGs Organizing Against Hate Crimes

/

Attorneys general across the country are increasing their activism against hate crimes by organizing broad coalitions and making it easier to report.  

Maryland Attorney General launches hate crime hotline

Fox Baltimore
http://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/maryland-attorney-general-launches-hotline-amid-uptick-in-reported-hate-crimes

The hotline, 1-866-481-8361, was announced by Maryland Attorney GeneralBrian E. Frosh on Thursday. According to Frosh, the hotline was developed in response to an increase in reported hate incidents.

Oregon Attorney General Encourages Hate Crime Reports

750 KXL
http://www.kxl.com/oregon-attorney-general-encourages-hate-crime-reports/

In a written statement released Thursday, Attorney General Rosenblum said “We must stand together against hate, so that all people in our state feel valued and safe. I support our Governor’s commitment to use the full force of the law against anybody who targets others based on race, religion, gender, or sexual identity."

Amid Surge Of Bias Crimes, A.G. Schneiderman Stands With Dozens Of Civil Rights Leaders To “Stand Up To Hate,” Issues Urgent Bulletin To Local Law Enforcement Offering Guidance In Identifying And Prosecuting Hate Crimes

NYAG Press Office
http://www.ag.ny.gov/press-release/amid-surge-bias-crimes-ag-schneiderman-stands-dozens-civil-rights-leaders-stand-hate

A.G. Schneiderman Vows Full Support Of State Law Enforcement To Protect Rights Of New York’s Most Vulnerable Communities

A.G. Schneiderman And State Education Commissioner Elia Offer Guidance To Help Ensure Schools Are Safe Havens For Learning

NYAG Press Office
http://www.ag.ny.gov/press-release/ag-schneiderman-and-state-education-commissioner-elia-offer-guidance-help-ensure

Letter To School Leaders Provides Resources For Complying With The Dignity For All Students Act And Preventing And Addressing Hate-Based Actions

AG's Fight Notorio Fraud

/

An increasing number of attorneys general are gearing up to fight "notario fraud," a long-standing practice whereby scam artists illegally market themselves as being able to assist families with immigration issues. Attorneys general offices are being assisted in that effort by the Federal Trade Commission and the Diverse Communities Initiative at Columbia Law School as they focus their efforts on vulnerable diverse communities.