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Non-Legal Immigration Services Policy


ARTICLE I — PURPOSE AND LEGAL FOUNDATION

The purpose of this Non-Legal Immigration Services Policy is to define the scope, limitations, and ethical standards governing immigration-related services provided by Dekalb Public Services Corporation (“the Corporation”).

The Corporation is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, and does not represent individuals in immigration proceedings. All immigration-related activities conducted by the Corporation are strictly educational, informational, and administrative in nature, as permitted under applicable federal and state law.

This Policy exists to:

  • Protect the Corporation from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law

  • Ensure clarity for clients, partners, staff, and volunteers

  • Maintain compliance with nonprofit, consumer protection, and immigration-related regulations

  • Preserve public trust and organizational integrity

This Policy shall be interpreted consistently with the Corporation’s Bylaws, Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest Policy, and all applicable laws.

ARTICLE II — PERSONS COVERED

This Policy applies to all individuals acting on behalf of the Corporation, including but not limited to:

  • Board Members

  • Officers

  • Employees

  • Volunteers

  • Contractors and consultants

  • Program facilitators and intake staff

These individuals are collectively referred to as Covered Individuals.

Covered Individuals shall not exceed the authority granted under this Policy under any circumstance, regardless of client request, urgency, or perceived benefit.

ARTICLE III — NATURE OF NON-LEGAL IMMIGRATION SERVICES

The Corporation may provide non-legal immigration assistance, which is limited to general information, education, and administrative support.

Permitted activities may include:

  • Explaining immigration processes at a high-level, general, educational basis

  • Providing publicly available information from official government sources

  • Assisting individuals with understanding forms without advising how to answer legal questions

  • Helping individuals locate official instructions and resources

  • Providing language support or interpretation for forms as directed by the client

  • Referrals to qualified immigration attorneys or accredited representatives

At no time shall the Corporation substitute its judgment for that of the client or provide guidance that could be construed as legal advice.


ARTICLE IV — PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

The Corporation strictly prohibits the following activities:

  • Providing legal advice or legal opinions

  • Recommending specific immigration strategies or pathways

  • Advising clients how to answer legal or discretionary questions

  • Interpreting immigration law or eligibility determinations

  • Representing clients before USCIS, EOIR, or any immigration authority

  • Completing forms on behalf of a client without their direct input

  • Guaranteeing outcomes, approvals, timelines, or benefits

  • Holding the Corporation out as a legal service provider

Any activity that could reasonably be interpreted as the practice of law is expressly forbidden.

ARTICLE V — CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND DISCLOSURES

All individuals receiving immigration-related assistance must be clearly informed that:

  • The Corporation is not an attorney or law firm

  • Services provided are non-legal and informational only

  • The Corporation does not guarantee results or approvals

  • Clients are responsible for all decisions, submissions, and filings

Written disclaimers shall be provided prior to service, and acknowledgment shall be documented where practicable.

ARTICLE VI — FEES AND COMPENSATION

The Corporation may charge nominal or sliding-scale administrative fees for non-legal services where permitted by law.

Fees shall:

  • Reflect administrative support only

  • Never be presented as legal fees

  • Never be contingent on outcomes

  • Be disclosed clearly and transparently

No Covered Individual may personally profit from immigration-related services.


ARTICLE VII — CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

The Corporation recognizes the sensitive nature of immigration-related information.

Covered Individuals shall protect all client information, including but not limited to:

  • Immigration status

  • Personal identification documents

  • Family information

  • Financial data

Information shall be accessed only for authorized purposes and stored securely in accordance with the Corporation’s confidentiality and data protection standards.

ARTICLE VIII — TRAINING AND OVERSIGHT

Covered Individuals involved in immigration-related services must receive appropriate training on:

  • Scope limitations

  • Prohibited conduct

  • Proper use of disclaimers

  • Referral protocols

The Corporation shall maintain oversight to ensure compliance with this Policy at all times.

ARTICLE IX — REFERRALS AND EXTERNAL PROVIDERS

When legal representation is required, clients shall be referred to:

  • Licensed immigration attorneys

  • DOJ-accredited representatives

  • Reputable nonprofit legal service providers

The Corporation does not endorse specific providers unless approved by the Board and shall not receive referral compensation unless permitted by law and disclosed.


ARTICLE X — MISREPRESENTATION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

The Corporation strictly prohibits misrepresentation of services.

Covered Individuals shall not:

  • Imply authority they do not have

  • Use misleading titles or descriptions

  • Create confusion about legal capacity

All communications must clearly reflect the non-legal nature of services.

ARTICLE XI — REPORTING VIOLATIONS

Covered Individuals have an obligation to report any suspected violation of this Policy.

Reports may be made to:

  • The Executive Director

  • The Board of Directors

  • An authorized compliance designee

Retaliation against individuals reporting concerns in good faith is prohibited.

ARTICLE XII — ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Violations of this Policy may result in:

  • Immediate cessation of immigration-related activities

  • Removal from role or position

  • Termination of employment or volunteer service

  • Legal action where appropriate

Violations involving unauthorized practice of law shall be treated as serious breaches of organizational trust.

ARTICLE XIII — ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT

This Non-Legal Immigration Services Policy is adopted by the Board of Directors of Dekalb Public Services Corporation and remains in effect until amended or repealed.