Jan 28, 2010 5:10 pm US/Pacific
Oakland Sues Company For Alleged Immigration Fraud
OAKLAND (CBS 5 / AP)

The city of Oakland is suing a local company officials say is ripping off immigrants by fraudulently claiming it can help them with their legal status.

The suit filed in Alameda County Superior Court on Thursday accuses Oakland-based American Legal Services of taking thousands of dollars from families while putting them in greater danger of deportation.

The city is asking the court to force the company to "disgorge" all profits, to make restitution payments and pay civil penalties totaling $8.2 million.

The company could not immediately be reached for comment.

The suit is part of a crackdown on so-called "notarios" who have no license to practice law but promise immigrants they can help them with visas and political asylum.


http://cbs5.com/local/immigration.fraud ... 56371.html