SB 1382 Summary

• Replaces the term "immigration consultant" with "immigration form assistant" throughout California law and changes regulatory requirements for persons providing nonlegal immigration assistance.

• Prohibits immigration form assistants from providing assistance with asylum applications, T nonimmigrant status, U nonimmigrant status, Violence Against Women Act petitions, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions.

• Requires immigration form assistants to submit proof of completing specified education requirements (high school diploma plus 2 years experience, bachelor's degree plus 1 year experience, or ABA-approved paralegal certificate) when filing disclosure forms with the Secretary of State.

• Expands restrictions on misleading translations and titles to include internet and broadcast media, and prohibits use of titles "immigration consultant," "immigration specialist," or other titles implying immigration expertise.

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to bring civil actions for injunctive relief and restitution against immigration form assistants, removing authorization for any party to bring public injunctive relief actions.