2015 Oregon Revised Statutes
Volume : 01 - Courts, Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure
Chapter 009 - Attorneys; Law Libraries
Section 9.280 - Prohibition on acting as immigration consultant; definitions; exception.

(1) It shall be a violation of ORS 9.160 for any person to engage in the business or act in the capacity of an immigration consultant in this state, for compensation, unless the person is an active member of the Oregon State Bar.

(2) As used in this section, unless the context or subject matter requires otherwise:

(a) "Immigration consultant" means any person who gives advice on an immigration matter, including but not limited to drafting an application, brief, document, petition or other paper or completing a form provided by a federal or state agency in an immigration matter.

(b) "Immigration matter" means any proceeding, filing or action affecting the immigration or citizenship status of any person which arises under immigration and naturalization law, executive order or presidential proclamation, or action of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Department of Justice, the United States Department of State or the United States Department of Labor.

(3) This section does not apply to any person or qualified designated entity authorized by federal law to represent persons before the United States Department of Homeland Security or the United States Department of Justice. [1987 c.860 §5; 2007 c.61 §1]

Note: Sections 1 and 2, chapter 753, Oregon Laws 2015, provide:

Sec. 1. Task Force on Immigration Consultant Fraud. (1) The Task Force on Immigration Consultant Fraud is established, consisting of 12 members as follows:

(a) The President of the Senate shall appoint one member from among members of the Senate.

(b) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member from among members of the House of Representatives.

(c) The Secretary of State or the Secretary of State’s designee shall serve as a member of the task force.

(d) The Governor shall appoint the following members:

(A) A representative of the Oregon State Bar.

(B) An attorney who practices in the area of immigration.

(C) A representative of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

(D) A representative of the Department of Justice.

(E) A representative of an organization of criminal defense attorneys in this state.

(F) A member representing prosecutors in this state.

(G) A representative of an organization that advocates for low-wage workers.

(H) A member representing law enforcement.

(I) A representative of an organization advocating for immigrants and refugees.

(2) The task force shall study the issue of violations of ORS 9.280 by immigration consultants and the practice of immigration consultants attempting to obstruct persons from reporting violations of ORS 9.280.

(3) A majority of the voting members of the task force constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(4) Official action by the task force requires the approval of a majority of the voting members of the task force.

(5) The task force shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.

(6) If there is a vacancy for any cause, the appointing authority shall make an appointment to become immediately effective.

(7) The task force shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the voting members of the task force.

(8) The task force may adopt rules necessary for the operation of the task force.

(9) The task force shall submit a report in the manner provided by ORS 192.245, and may include recommendations for legislation, to a committee or an interim committee of the Legislative Assembly related to immigration as appropriate no later than September 15, 2015.

(10) The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office shall provide staff support to the task force.

(11) Members of the task force who are not members of the Legislative Assembly are not entitled to compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their official duties in the manner and amounts provided for in ORS 292.495. Claims for expenses incurred in performing functions of the task force shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office for purposes of the task force.

(12) All agencies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111, are directed to assist the task force in the performance of its duties and, to the extent permitted by laws relating to confidentiality, to furnish such information and advice as the members of the task force consider necessary to perform their duties. [2015 c.753 §1]

Sec. 2. Repeal. Section 1 of this 2015 Act is repealed on December 31, 2016.

[2015 c.753 §2]