What This Story Is About
- Smyrna police are investigating a local business owner, Laura Ward, after multiple immigrants filed reports alleging they paid thousands of dollars for immigration services that were never completed.
Why It Matters
- Immigrants seeking legal status are in a vulnerable position and depend on accurate legal assistance. When immigration paperwork is mishandled or ignored, it can result in deportation and family separation.
- Smyrna police have confirmed an active investigation. A spokesman for the TN Attorney General’s office confirmed they are reviewing complaints filed with their office.
For Context
- Laura Ward operates Hispanos Exitosos in Smyrna, which describes itself as an immigration annex. Ward is not an attorney. She told police she worked under an immigration attorney in Florida, but that attorney told police Ward does not work for her—only that Ward has been instructed as a civilian on how to help with immigration cases.
SMYRNA, TN (WSMV) – Smyrna police have confirmed an active investigation into a local business after multiple immigrants filed reports alleging they were deceived while seeking help with their immigration status.
A spokesman for the Attorney General’s office also confirmed that their office are reviewing complaints about the company, “Hispanos Exitosos.”
Immigrants who paid a Smyrna business owner for assistance obtaining work permits and legal residency tell WSMV4 Investigates they are now out thousands of dollars and facing potential deportation…