NYC Council Approves Groundbreaking Laws to Shield Immigrants from Fraudulent Legal Services

In a decisive move to safeguard immigrant communities from exploitation, the New York City Council has enacted two critical bills spearheaded by Council Members Julie Won of Queens and Shahana Hanif of Brooklyn. The legislation aims to crack down on fraudulent immigration service providers who exploit vulnerable individuals by falsely presenting themselves as legal experts.

These deceptive practices—often referred to as “notario fraud”—have long plagued immigrant populations, especially amid increased arrivals to the city. Victims are commonly misled into paying thousands of dollars for legal support that is either ineffective or outright harmful.

Council Member Won introduced Intro 980-A, a bill that significantly strengthens penalties against immigration service providers found guilty of serious misconduct. The law targets egregious actions such as impersonating a licensed attorney or using threats involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to manipulate clients.

Under the new legislation, first-time offenders will face civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, an increase from the previous $3,750 to $7,500. Repeat violations will carry even steeper fines, from $10,000 to $15,000. Advertisements making false guarantees about immigration outcomes will also trigger elevated penalties—up to $20,000 for recurring offenses.

“This law was born out of the many heartbreaking stories we heard from our constituents—people who lost their savings to fake lawyers with false promises,” said Won. “Now, with these enhanced penalties, we’re sending a clear message: New York City will not tolerate those who prey on immigrant communities.”

Additionally, the law mandates stricter compliance with regulations governing immigration assistance. These include formalized client contracts, transparent advertising practices, and the proper retention of records.

Council Member Hanif introduced Intro 205-A, a companion bill focused on education and community outreach. This measure directs city agencies—including the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media—to collaborate on a multilingual public awareness campaign.

The campaign will educate residents on identifying scams, direct them to credible legal services, and provide guidance on how to file complaints against fraudulent actors.

“Anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies—especially from previous federal administrations—have created fear and confusion,” said Hanif. “Unfortunately, those fears are exploited by bad actors offering false hope. This legislation is a vital tool to empower and protect our immigrant neighbors.”

DCWP data shows a notable uptick in reported immigration scams over the past few years, reinforcing the need for stronger preventive measures.

Council Member Shekar Krishnan, a co-sponsor of both bills, emphasized the importance of these reforms for his district’s diverse immigrant communities in Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside.

“This legislation helps immigrants avoid costly traps and ensures they can access trustworthy legal help,” said Krishnan.

Council Member Sandra Ung, also a supporter, pointed to the emotional and financial damage these scams inflict.

“People are misled into thinking they’re receiving help when they’re actually being set back,” Ung said. “Every New Yorker deserves honest, professional legal services—regardless of their immigration status.”

Immigration advocacy organizations widely praised the Council’s actions. Among them, Catholic Migration Services, which serves individuals of all faiths, lauded the passage of both bills.

“This is exactly the kind of leadership we need in times of uncertainty,” said Magdalena Barbosa, the group’s senior vice president and director of legal services. “Raising awareness and increasing penalties are critical steps toward protecting immigrants and deterring those who would exploit them.”

Together, the new laws position New York City as a national leader in combating immigration-related fraud and affirm the city’s ongoing commitment to defending the rights and dignity of its immigrant communities.