Queens Tribune
 
....June 18, 12:36 PM
 
BP Offers Guide On Immigrant Aid

By Marvin Anderson

The Queens Borough President has released a list of suggested organizations for immigration support after New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo subpoenaed 50 for fraud.

Of the 25 organizations subpoenaed, 15 have offices in Queens.

“Queens is America’s most diverse county and has the city’s largest immigrant population” said Borough President Helen Marshall. “Thus, many immigrants fall prey to immigration fraud that often leaves them penniless and still without the legal status they sought.”

Both Marshall and Cuomo report numerous complaints from immigrants who became victims of scrupulous individuals and organizations that promise services for expensive fees.

Borough President spokesman Dan Andrews said the list is not a comprehensive guide to immigration services in Queens but the organizations named are legitimate resources.

“This is knowledge,” he said. “It’s that knowledge and awareness that’s given to individuals that will help at a time where they are not sure what they’re doing. Through the sharing of information this will make people aware.”

Mayra Chalas of Queens Legal Services was among one of Marshall’s suggested organizations.

Chalas, a legal assistant for the service, said her non-profit organization is equipped with free resources to aid any individual and in any language.

“We have a way to assist anyone that comes to our organization no matter what they speak at any point,” she said.

Having worked for the service for nearly 15 years, Chalas said she has assisted immigrants who were swindled.

The recent subpoenas remind Chalas to warn individuals of organizations that charge for services.

The subpoenas are for information and not a sign of guilt, but Cuomo recently filed a civil suit against a Jackson Heights’ Miriam Hernandez, whom he alleges conned several New York City immigrants of more than $80,000 while falsely promising them services and aid.

The hefty fees are exactly what Chalas said should signal caution to individuals. She suggests relying upon a non-profit organization that has decades of tenure supporting immigrants with free or low costing services.

“It’s hard to tell,” she said after asked when to determine a legitimate organization. “But don’t pay thousands for what should be done for free.”