PORTLAND (AP) – A new state law targets “immigration consultants” who pocket hefty fees for shoddy work that sometimes hurts rather than helps the country’s newcomers.

The new law imposes fines up to $5,000 and allows for court injunctions to stop negligent and unauthorized individuals from serving immigrants. It spells out who can and cannot practice immigration advising in Maine, and authorizes the attorney general’s office to go after those who would defraud immigrants.

Immigrants often go to people in their own communities for help first. Sometimes, they go to consultants who charge fees.

Beth Stickney of the Portland-based Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project said problems crop up when improperly trained consultants become involved, “and they end up messing things up.”

Mistakes in applications, papers sent to the wrong addresses and missed deadlines all can lead to serious problems, up to deportation, she said.

The law, sponsored by House Democratic leader Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, received support from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland and the support group El Central Latino Maine, which sent representatives to a ceremonial bill signing this week.

“We want to make sure that they can legally continue to call Maine their home,” Gov. John Baldacci said.

Stickney said immigrants seeking assistance should consult with an immigration law attorney licensed to practice in Maine. If they cannot afford those services, free or low-cost help is available statewide through the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project.

Federal policy applying to the roughly the 11 million immigrants now living in the United States illegally has been at issue in Congress, where Senate and House bills have been passed. Differences between the two must still be worked out.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-06-02-06 0215EDT