Foster: Target fradulent legal advice to immigrants

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster has introduced legislation targeting “notarios” who give immigrants fraudulent legal advice that can, at times, get them deported.

The Naperville Democrat said advertising for services to help immigrants gain legal status has increased, particularly on Spanish-language radio stations. But the advice given by so-called “notarios” can often be bogus, he said.

“They’re placing ads in which they are pretending to be highly qualified attorneys offering to help immigrants who want to play by the rules and gain legal status,” Foster said on a conference call Friday.

Foster’s legislation says offenders could face a fine and prison time. He’s working on the legislation with U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, a Florida Democrat.

Immigration has become an increasingly heated issue in Congress, and federal lawmakers might keep working to find a compromise after their upcoming recess. The Senate controlled by Democrats has approved legislation, but the House might look to break reforms into pieces and vote on them individually.