Gonzalez Forms Preparation - Immigration Services

Review: On 04/30/2013 was the last time I spoke with [redacted]. The complaint is that on 03/05/2013 I went in for my first consultation and spoke with [redacted] about my case. I asked if given the circumstances I had explained if he was capable of helping me out with my issue. I wanted him to assist me with an immigration issue for my husband. I wanted [redacted] to assist in his residency process. He had mentioned it would not be a problem, and that he charged $1500 to help fill out all immigration cases. I paid him $750 to start the process, and nothing was ever done. Desired Settlement: I was not happy with how things were going towards our last visit. I was not sure what he was doing, and I asked him to please return my money. I felt like he was not doing anything.

He is not here for the best interest of the community, and I think he steals people's money and does nothing. I want my $750.00 back.

Business

Response:

Business' Initial Response

I would like to start this response by saying that in fourteen years of helping people with their immigration and citizenship papers this is the first time anyone has complained about my work. Therefore [redacted]'s and [redacted] reactions and this complaint came to me as a surprise.

Prior to the agreement made on March 5, 2013, [redacted] and I had an initial consultation to discuss [redacted] eligibility for adjustment of status (i.e. green card or residency). During this initial consultation I answered questions on the Adjustment of Status Process they ere seeking to achieve. [redacted] had been admitted into the United States on a VISA but had over stayed his departure date. [redacted] was wed to a US Citizen [redacted], and he said that he had not been arrested, cited, detained nor deported. I told them that I was not an attorney, and I would not be able to represent them, but I was experienced, licensed, and bonded (#57BSBGF6804) and I could help them with the form preparation and filing process. I gave them a list of the documents and information we would need to provide along with the amounts of the filing fees, and other expenses they would need to cover if they chose to take the next step and begin working on the adjustment paperwork with me.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, [redacted] and I entered an agreement for services on filing the adjustment of status paperwork for her husband, [redacted] My general fees for this type of services are $1,500.00 with a deposit of $750.00 due before beginning the work, and the balance of $750.00 due upon final review of the paperwork, signatures of all parties, and before mailing off the Adjustment of Status Package to the appropriate United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Office. I began working on preparing all the paperwork, translations and photocopying of the required evidence necessary for an adjustment. There were several exchanges of phone calls for coordinating and obtaining missing information until the draft packet was finally put together and ready for their review and signatures.

On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, an appointment was scheduled to review the draft package and to sign the relevant forms. This was an important meeting for [redacted] to have attended, but [redacted] was the only one able to come. I knew we would not be able to finalize the packet without [redacted] participation that day so I decided to review the first form with [redacted]. At this point, [redacted] became unsettled when I asked for clarification on [redacted] occupation and income. [redacted] explained that in the past [redacted] occupation was lawn services, but now he was gainfully employed in auto body repair field. [redacted] has not filed taxes, and [redacted] is filing as Head of House Hold and has been collecting government assistance. I mentioned to [redacted] that given her overall household income, the Immigration Services could look into her eligibility for government assistance.

[redacted] was very agitated when I suggested that she consult with an Immigration Attorney on this specific issue before continuing with the paperwork. This step would help [redacted] and [redacted] understand the consequences, if any, because the last thing anybody needs is a surprise turn about during an immigration interview. Understanding all of the options, risks and benefits before the interview is always a good idea because it would allow them to prepare before going to their interview. I told [redacted] that if they were well prepared for the interview, they would be more secured and have more confidence. [redacted], however, did not see it this way. She did not see the value of my help anymore. She asked for her file and original documents and a refund without taking into consideration all of the work that had done on the case so far. The only task that was left to complete was a legal consultation, the final review, and the signatures. I gave [redacted] the original and the draft copy of the case.

During our last face to face conversation on April 30, 2013 and several phone calls the same day, I explained to [redacted] and [redacted] that I had complied with the work I had agreed to do. Therefore, I had already earned the $750.00 deposit. They owed me most of the second $750.00 because the draft application packet was ready for review and signatures. As I said before, the only tasks missing were the final review, signatures, copies, and mailing preparation. These tasks amounted to about $200.00 dollars. Therefore [redacted] and [redacted] owe me $500.00. I explained all these details to them but they insisted they did not owe me any money and that they wanted their entire deposit back.

I dont understand how [redacted] can say in her complaint that "nothing was ever done" in their case. I fulfilled all my duties regarding my agreement:

1. I instructed them about all the supporting documents they needed

2. I assisted them in the gathering of the necessary information

3. I completed/filled in ALL forms

4. I spoke with them many times during the process

5. When I spotted a potential hot issue in their process I suggested they seek legal advice because I am not an attorney

6.I set a 3 hour appointment with them on April 30, 2013 for the final review and signatures but only [redacted] showed up

Up to and including April 30 2013 I invested about 35 hours working on their case.

In the interest of time and good customer relations, and as a good will, I am willing to forgo the $500.00 they owe me for the work I did for them. I believe it would be unfair to return to them the original $750.00 deposit. I take issue with [redacted]'s allegation that "I think he steals people's money and does nothing". [redacted], better than anyone else, knows how many hours I spent in speaking with her and her husband. She also has the complete draft packet that we were scheduled to review on April 30, 2013. How can she say I did nothing?

Given the fact that stealing is a crime, and I have not done such a thing, I reserve my right to file a defamation suit or to take any other legal action to protect my reputation. I also reserve the right to take this matter to small claims court to collect the $500.00 they owe me.

Please contact me if you have any questions or need further information.