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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Challenges in enforcing regulations on immigration service providers
0:20:40
ยท
64 sec
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) faces significant challenges in enforcing regulations on fraudulent immigration service providers and employment agencies due to their elusive nature and the reluctance of immigrant communities to report issues.
- Many fraudulent providers operate temporarily and disappear after being paid
- Immigrant communities often hesitate to file complaints due to fear of government interaction
- Despite these challenges, DCWP continues to use its civil enforcement authority to hold unscrupulous businesses accountable
Vilda Vera Mayuga
0:20:40
DCWP conducts enforcement of immigration service providers and employment agencies through field inspections and attorney led investigations that lead to actions before the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings or state court.
0:20:56
Fraudulent immigration service providers and employment agencies remain an ongoing challenge for us due to their flight by night nature.
0:21:05
Many operate out of temporary storefronts, private residences, instant messaging apps, or online platforms only to disappear after being paid by a consumer.
0:21:17
Additionally, due to fear of government interaction, immigrant communities often hesitate to file complaints which are essential to an investigatory process.
0:21:27
Regardless, DCWP continues to use its civil enforcement authority where and when we can to hold unscrupulous businesses accountable, to educate New Yorkers on their rights, and to encourage consumers to come to us when those rights have been exploited.