It is illegal for people who are not lawyers to give immigration legal advice. In Minnesota it is a misdemeanor for people who are not lawyers, or others qualified under the law, to give legal advice or help in immigration cases.

Only lawyers who know immigration law should help in immigration cases. Immigration laws are complicated. A person should only seek legal advice from lawyers, their assistants, or accredited representatives who know the immigration laws well.

There are good and competent free and low-cost immigration service providers. Some services offer complete legal representation while others only offer brief advice and service. Clients qualify to receive services based on income, place of residence, type of case, and legal status. Not everyone is eligible for free legal services. There are often waiting lists to receive services.