AB 638 Summary

• Effective January 1, 2020, makes it unlawful for anyone to work as an immigration consultant for compensation unless they are a licensed attorney, federally authorized immigration representative, or a paralegal under attorney supervision.

• Removes notaries public from authorization to charge fees for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) services and replaces them with paralegals working under attorney supervision.

• Exempts automated immigration form population services (websites/apps that help complete immigration forms) from immigration consultant regulations, provided they do not give legal advice.

• Requires the Secretary of State to develop a public website listing authorized immigration service providers recognized or accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice, and providing complaint information and legal resources.

• Maintains price gouging prohibitions on those authorized to charge DACA-related fees and adds criminal and civil penalties for violations.