Immigration Reform News 2015: New Law To Fight Immigration Fraud Takes Effect In New York

A new law took effect in New York on Monday that makes immigration assistance fraud a crime, with the offender subject to felony and/or misdemeanor charges.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said under the New York Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act, which he signed last August, individuals and entities who defraud New Yorkers who seek immigration-related assistance will be punished.

"These new laws will protect individuals and families from immigration assistance fraud, and allow the State to aggressively crack down on those who would rob others of the opportunity to pursue the American dream," he said.

According to the New York Governor's office, con artists victimize New Yorkers yearly by posing as immigration attorneys or representatives and charge fees for services that are never provided.

These scams include "false promises of permanent U.S. residency and citizenship; preparation of applications for immigration benefits either by unqualified individuals or those engaged in the unauthorized practice of law; sale of immigration forms that are available for free; false impersonation of immigration officials; and unwarranted threats of deportation."

The law makes immigration assistance fraud in the first and second degree as new crimes under the Penal Law.

It also provides enhanced translation requirements and increases civil penalties for violations of existing consumer protection laws.

Quoting the Federal Trade Commission, Cuomo's office said more than 890 complaints of immigration assistance fraud were reported in 2013, of which 100 were lodged in New York.

The new law also gives authority to the New York State Office for New Americans, which Cuomo launched in 2013, to provide support to immigrants.

More than 67,000 were assisted by the office through 27 Opportunity Centers in the last two years.

The centers teach new immigrants English, assist them in processing their immigration papers and in starting their businesses.

Additional services will include the launching of a multilingual public service campaign to warn immigrants against fraud, expanding hotlines and free immigration law training.