HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – In June, the Obama Administration turned part of the DREAM Act into a reality. The Department of Homeland Security ordered an end to deporting young people who pose no threat to our society. Starting last week, those who met the criteria became eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years. Immigration attorneys are telling applicants to be aware of scam artists known as notarios who could be offering false information or charging large fees to fill out paperwork.

On Wednesday, August 22, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) hosted a news conference with representatives from local organizations in order to educate applicants about prevention methods and proactive measures they can take to protect themselves.

Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz was joined by Cheryl Little, the Executive Director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, and Monica Lazaro, a Miami Dade Honors College student who moved to the U.S. when she was 8 years old and who recently lost her mother to cancer. They’ll also be joined by Ricardo Wagner who came to the U.S. from Venezuela when he was 11 years old.

“Now that the application process has begun, I welcome the opportunity to discuss some important updates,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “First of all, it’s important to remember that in order to be considered for deferred action, applicants must be between 15 and 31 years old, must have been brought to the United States before their 16th birthday and they must be enrolled in or graduated from high school or have served in the military. They also cannot have any felony or certain misdemeanor convictions.

“Applicants have one chance at an application, and the $465 application fee that covers the cost of a work permit and fingerprinting is non-refundable. This means that it is absolutely crucial that young people take the utmost care to ensure that their applications are filled out correctly. There are many resources available to help, and you must beware of potential scams. Unfortunately, fraudsters known as “notarios” are looking to profit on the hopes and dreams of some of these young people.

“Applicants should heed every caution, including ensuring that the immigration attorneys they are working with are certified by the American Immigration Lawyers Association or by visiting http://fldream.swer.org/appointments/ to schedule an appointment with the FL Dream team. On their website they have a list of days, times, and locations of clinics in South Florida. I’m saddened to see these notarios trying to take advantage of hopeful Dreamers – but I stand with the Dreamers and want you to know that my office is ready to help you in any way we can.”