New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday issued a consumer alert warning Haitian and Syrian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to be cautious of immigration services scams following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that could end their legal protections.
The alert follows the Supreme Court’s June 25 ruling in Mullin v. Doe, which allows the federal government to proceed with plans to terminate TPS for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants. The decision has created uncertainty for many families, prompting a surge in demand for legal assistance and increasing the risk of fraud, officials said.
“TPS holders in New York and nationwide are scrambling to find answers,” James said. “Too often, bad actors take advantage of increased fear and anxiety to scam immigrants and their families.” She also urged Congress to pass legislation introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to extend TPS protections for Haitians.
The attorney general’s office warned that changes in immigration policies, as well as misinformation or rumors, can create confusion that scammers exploit. Fraudsters may pose as attorneys, government officials or representatives of legitimate organizations, sometimes using fake websites or social media accounts to appear credible.
James encouraged immigrants to seek legal help only from licensed attorneys or representatives accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice and to verify credentials before proceeding. She also advised individuals to carefully review documents before signing, ask questions about legal services, and confirm the authenticity of any government communication regarding immigration cases.
Officials cautioned against common warning signs of scams, including individuals identifying themselves as “notarios,” guarantees of specific immigration outcomes, requests to sign blank forms, and demands for urgent payments through wire transfers or mobile apps.
New Yorkers who believe they may have been targeted by an immigration scam or want to verify legal assistance can contact the Office of New Americans hotline at 1-800-566-7636. Additional support is available through the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs at 1-800-354-0365.
State officials said immigrants should remain vigilant and seek trusted legal guidance as immigration policies continue to evolve.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
