Enviar su queja

Enviar su queja

¿Se ha aprovechado de usted por un negocio engañoso? Presente una queja para que la OAG pueda investigar.

Al enviar sus quejas como consumidor a OAG, nos da a conocer los problemas que las personas atraviesan en el mercado y nos ayuda a identificar y dar prioridad a problemas para tomar posibles medidas. Esto produce mejores resultados para los consumidores y un mejor mercado para todos. 

Usted puede enviar su queja en linea o llamar a la Línea Directa de Quejas del Consumidor al (202) 442-9828.

Hay seis pasos para enviar su queja:

  • Paso 1 - Registrarse o acceder: no es necesario, pero es útil para comunicarnos con usted después.
  • Paso 2 - Motivo de su queja: ¿de qué se trata esta queja?
  • Paso 3 - Información de la empresa: ¿en contra de quién es su queja?
  • Paso 4 - Información de contacto: ¿quiénes son las personas involucradas?
  • Paso 5 - Detalles de la queja: ¿cuáles son los detalles de la queja y cuál es la acción deseada?
  • Paso 6 - Adjuntar documentación y enviar: adjunte la documentación y envíe la queja.

Enviar su queja

Submit a Consumer Complaint

OAG Consumer Mediation Program

OCP mediates consumer complaints when the consumer is a DC resident, or when the business or landlord is located or headquartered in the District of Columbia. This is a free service.

OCP helps consumers contact the business and work to resolve the dispute, without going to court. OCP does not offer individual legal representation.

The preferred method of submitting a consumer complaint is through the online complaint portal.  After you submit your complaint, it will be reviewed and assigned to an OCP Paralegal or Investigator who will contact you by email or phone. OAG responds to every complaint that it receives.

Submit Consumer Complaint

OAG wants to hear from consumers – when consumers reach out to OAG with tips and complaints about deceptive and fraudulent business practices that helps us better protect our neighbors. Please contact the Consumer Mediation Program by submitting a complaint online at https://oag.dc.gov/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 202.442.9828, or email consumer.protection@dc.gov. If you have a consumer protection tip, you can email that tip directly to consumer.protection.tips@dc.gov. Please share this information with your family, friends, and community!

You can also visit https://oag.dc.gov/consumer-protection for more information about OAG’s Office of Consumer Protection, including a list of consumer protection resources and referrals:  https://oag.dc.gov/consumer-protection/other-consumer-help-agencies-and-organizations.

Submit Consumer Complaint

OAG’s Cure the Streets Logo Contest

New CTS Logo Contest

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) invites local emerging artists to help design a new logo for our Cure the Streets (CTS) violence reduction program.

The winning artist will be invited to participate in a community unveiling of the logo. In addition to the community unveiling, OAG will recognize and amplify the winning artist and their work on OAG’s online and social media properties. The winning logo will be used to support OAG’s branding efforts for CTS including on the web or social media, in print, on clothing, and for other marketing materials.

The selected winner will be notified before September 1, 2020.

Upload your design submission.

About Cure the Streets

CTS is a community-driven public safety program working to reduce gun violence in the District. Using a data-driven, public health approach, CTS combats gun violence by detecting and interrupting conflicts, identifying and treating the highest risk individuals, and changing social norms.

Community partners employ 60 Cure the Streets staff at the following six sites in Wards 5, 7, and 8. Learn more here.

  1. Eckington
  2. Truxton and Trinidad
  3. Marshall Heights/Benning Heights
  4. Bellevue
  5. Washington Highlands
  6. Washington Highlands/Congress Heights

Contest Requirements

  • Must be a DC resident.
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Winner must sign artwork copyright assignment and media release form that will include a publicity release for the use of the winner’s name, background, and likeness.

Artwork Guidelines

  • Must be original and eye-catching.
  • Incorporates the color orange (the color representing gun violence awareness).
  • Symbolizes the District in some way.
  • Includes the words “Cure the Streets.”
  • All submission types welcome, vector images encouraged.

What is a vector image?
.ai or .eps filetypes are vector images often created through Adobe Illustrator.

What if I don’t have the software to make a vector image?
All submission types are welcome. Selection not contingent upon file-type. If the winning submission was not originally an .ai or .eps filetype, it will be converted into one.

Submission Requirements

Submissions must be received no later than 5pm ET on Friday July 31, 2020. Include full name, email, and phone number in submission. Click here to upload your submission.

Questions? Email OAGCommunity@dc.gov.

OAG's Neighborhood Nuisance Training

Debunking the Myth: OAG's ANC Neighborhood Nuisance Training with MPD

OAG Nuisance Training

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for the District of Columbia is hosting a series of trainings on nuisance cases for ANC Commissioners and civic leaders.

You may have a lot of questions, such as . . .

What is a neighborhood nuisance?
What nuisance authority does OAG have?
What does an OAG nuisance case look like?


This training will walk you through the process from reporting, to investigation, to court process, to the burden of proof needed to bring a nuisance case.

Please select the training session that corresponds with your MPD District:

Have questions? Email OAGCommunity@dc.gov.

Requirements of the District’s Data Breach Notification Law

All fifty states and the District of Columbia require that companies notify consumers when they experience a breach of their customers’ personal information.  On March 26, the Mayor signed into law the Security Breach Protection Amendment Act of 2019.  The Act went into effect on June 8, 2020 and updates the District’s Consumer Security Breach Notification Act, D.C. Code § 28–3851, et al., in significant ways.  This page is intended to provide general information and resources to help businesses affected by the law understand their obligations.  Nothing here constitutes legal advice. The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) encourages businesses to seek any help and guidance necessary to ensure they are complying with the law.

What is a data breach?

A data breach is the unauthorized acquisition of electronic personal information. 

Data breaches can be the result of criminal cyber-activity, such as hacking or ransomware, or because of employee error, such as emailing information to the wrong person.

There are exceptions to this rule.  No breach occurs under the law if the personal information has been rendered secure (e.g., through encryption or redaction) and unusable by a third-party.  Likewise, no breach occurs if the company affected concludes, after consulting the relevant authorities, that the unauthorized acquisition is unlikely to result in harm to consumers. A company must consult with OAG before concluding that consumer harm is unlikely.

What is personal information?

The Act expands the kinds of personal information covered by the District’s data breach notification law.  The law now covers a person’s first name or first initial and last name, phone number, address, or any other personal identifier, and any one of the following:

  • social security number;
  • driver’s license number or District of Columbia Identification Card number;
  • credit card number or debit card number;
  • any other number, such as account number, security code, access code, or password, that allows access to or use of an individual’s financial or credit account;
  • passport number;
  • taxpayer identification number;
  • military ID number;
  • medical information;
  • biometric data;
  • genetic information and DNA profiles; or
  • health insurance information

In addition, the law covers any combination of the above elements that would enable a person to commit identity theft.

When must my company report a breach?

A company must notify both consumers and OAG in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay. When a delay occurs due to obtaining information about affected consumers (such as contact information), an entity need not, and should not, wait until it contacts affected consumers to report the breach to the Attorney General.

How should my company notify consumers of a breach?

Under the Act, the notice to consumers must include:

  • To the extent possible, a description of the categories of information that were subject to the breach;
  • Contact information for the company making the notification;
  • The toll-free telephone numbers and addresses for the major consumer reporting agencies;
  • A statement explaining the right to obtain a security freeze free of charge under federal law and information on how a resident may request a security freeze; and
  • Contact information for the Federal Trade Commission and OAG. 

How should my company notify the Attorney General of a breach?

To report a breach to OAG, please email databreach@dc.gov. Under the Act, the notice to OAG must include:

  • The name and contact information of the person or entity reporting the breach;
  • The name and contact information of the person or entity that experienced the breach;
  • The nature of the breach of the security of the system;
  • The types of personal information compromised by the breach;
  • The number of District residents affected by the breach;
  • The cause of the breach, including the relationship between the person or entity that experienced the breach and the person responsible for the breach, if known;
  • Remedial action taken by the person or entity including steps taken to assist District residents affected by the breach;
  • The date and time frame of the breach, if known;
  • Address and location of corporate headquarters, if outside of the District;
  • Any knowledge of foreign country involvement; and
  • A sample of the notice to be provided to District residents.

If you would like to discuss a data security breach or security event that has or may trigger breach notification to District residents, please email databreach@dc.gov or contact OAG’s Office of Consumer Protection at 202-442-9828.

What other obligations does my company have under the law?

In the case of a breach involving social security or tax identification numbers, a company is obligated to provide affected consumers with 18 months of free identity theft prevention services.

More broadly, any person or entity that owns, licenses, maintains, handles or otherwise possesses personal information of District residents must implement and maintain reasonable security safeguards.  What is reasonable depends in part on the size of the entity and the sensitivity of the information involved.

Additional resources

The Federal Trade Commission has resources for small businesses to ensure that they are taking appropriate precautions against cyber-attacks: https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/small-businesses/cybersecurity.

Debt Collection FAQs

GUIDANCE ON THE DEBT COLLECTION PROVISIONS OF THE COVID-19 RESPONSE SUPPLEMENTAL EMERGENCY AMENDMENT ACT OF 2020

On April 10, 2020, the Council for the District of Columbia passed the emergency Act 23-286, the COVID-19 Response Supplemental Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (“Emergency Act”) which aims to help DC residents deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Section 207 of the Emergency Act amended D.C. Code § 28-3814 to add a number of temporary restrictions related to the collection of consumer debt during the coronavirus pandemic. The District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) enforces the prohibitions in D.C. Code § 28-3814 though its enforcement authority under the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, D.C. Code § 28-3909. OAG issues the following guidance on how it interprets the Emergency Act for enforcement purposes to provide clarity regarding the law’s debt collection provisions.

The Emergency Act covers any debt that is 30 days past due and was made for the purchase of goods, services, or property for personal, family or household purposes. This includes motor vehicle loans but does not include home mortgages or other loans on real property (Section 202 of the Emergency Act includes separate mortgage relief measures). For the duration of the declared coronavirus emergency, and for 60 days after its conclusion, the Emergency Act prohibits creditors and debt collectors from threatening or initiating any new legal action to collect a debt, visiting a debtor’s home or place of employment, or confronting the debtor about the debt in any public place. It also prohibits debt collectors, but not original creditors or entities who obtain the debt prior to its default, from communicating with debtors, including by phone call, email, or text message. However, communications relating to rescheduling court dates are exempted, and if a debtor initiates the communication, the debt collector may still respond to the request.

The answers provided here are general and advisory in nature. Any such enforcement decision will be based on the specific facts of each individual case and will be consistent with District law and regulations. This guidance is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor create any rights or obligations. OAG may also issue further guidance to supplement these frequently asked questions as appropriate. For questions regarding the Superior Court’s operational status and the tolling of deadlines, please review the Court’s Orders at https://www.dccourts.gov/coronavirus.

Relevant Dates

Question: How long will the Emergency Act remain in place?
Answer: The Emergency Act’s debt collection provisions will be in place during the period of the Mayor’s emergency declaration and for 60 days after it ends.

Definition of Debt Collectors and Motor Vehicle Loans

Question: Does a collection agency, loan servicer, or law firm that collects on behalf of a “first-party” or “original creditor”, i.e., a person or business who offers or extends credit creating a debt, qualify as a “debt collector” under the Emergency Act?
Answer: Yes.  If a business is collecting on behalf of a first-party or original creditor, that business would qualify as a “debt collector” by engaging in the collection of a debt as defined by D.C. Code 28-3814(b)(2).

Question: What entities are considered “original creditors” under the Emergency Act?
Answer: For the purposes of the Emergency Act, an “original creditor” includes entities that acquire a debt or claim that was not in default at the time it was obtained. This interpretation includes third parties, such as loan servicers, that acquire and manage claim accounts on behalf of original creditors that are not in default at the time they are acquired.

Question: Are loans directly secured on motor vehicles or direct motor vehicle installment loans covered? 
Answer: Yes. The Emergency Act states that during the Emergency period, the District’s Debt Collection law (D.C. Code § 28-3814) applies to loans directly secured on motor vehicles or direct motor vehicle installment loans covered by D.C. Code § 28-3601 et seq

Question: Are loans directly secured by a mortgage on real property, such as a home, covered? 
Answer: No. The Emergency Act does not apply to collecting or attempting to collect a debt that is, or is alleged to be, owed on a loan secured by a mortgage on real property. D.C. Code § 28-3814(l)(3) and (m)(3).

Communications by Debt Collectors and Creditors

Question: Does the Emergency Act prohibit a creditor or debt collector from answering inbound calls initiated by a consumer?
Answer: No. The Emergency Act added D.C. Code § 28-3814(m)(1) which prohibits a debt collector from “initiat[ing] any communication with any debtor via any written or electronic communication, including email or text message, or telephone” during a public health emergency and for 60 days after its conclusion. The Emergency Act does not prohibit answering a communication that the consumer initiates. If a consumer communicates with a debt collector, the debt collector may respond to the consumer.

Question: Does the Emergency Act prohibit a creditor or debt collector from returning a telephone call initiated by a consumer?
Answer: No. Under the Emergency Act, D.C. Code § 28-3814(m)(1) does not prohibit a debt collector from “respon[ding] to a request made by [a] debtor for…communication.”

Question: Does the Emergency Act prohibit communication between a creditor or debt collector and a debtor when both parties are physically present in a courthouse in connection with judicial proceedings regarding a debt? 
Answer: No. Communicating with a debtor while physically present in a courthouse in connection with judicial proceedings regarding a debt does not constitute “confront[ing] or communicat[ing] in person with a debtor regarding the collection of a debt in [a] public place” under  D.C. Code § 28-3814(l)(2)(F), but such communications must otherwise comply with the prohibitions in the Emergency Act. Likewise, if a debtor initiates a communication in a public space, the debt collector may respond to that communication under D.C. Code § 28-3814(m)(1). This interpretation applies to telephonic or webcast court hearings to the extent such proceedings occur.

Question: Does the Emergency Act prohibit a debt collector from sending a debtor text messages or emails?
Answer: Yes. The Emergency Act, D.C. Code § 28-3814(m)(1), provides that “no debt collector shall initiate any communication with any debtor via any written or electronic communication, including email or text message, or telephone.” However, if the debtor initiates communication with the debt collector, the debt collector may respond to the communication under D.C. Code § 28-3814(m)(1).

Question: Does the Emergency Act prohibit a debt collector from sending monthly statements or receipts?
Answer: No. Debt collectors may send monthly statements and payment receipts to a debtor if the monthly statements and receipts relate to an existing payment plan (Amendments added to the Emergency Act passed by the Council on April 21, 2020 addressed this question). D.C. Code § 28-3814(m)(1).  Moreover, if a debtor has initiated a communication with a debt collector, the debt collector may communicate with the debtor and provide documents in connection with those communications, such as a statement or proof of payment, a written confirmation of payment in full or that an account has been closed, a response to a complaint or dispute submitted by the debtor, or a letter confirming the details of a negotiated payment plan. In addition, the Emergency Act does not prohibit communications from debt collectors that are required by law under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or any other federal law.

Initiating or Threatening Lawsuits, Attachments, and Other Actions

Question: Can a creditor initiate a new collection lawsuit?
Answer: No. The Emergency Act prohibits both creditors and debt collectors from “initiat[ing, fil[ing], or threaten[ing] to file” a new collection lawsuit under D.C. Code § 28-3814(l)(2)(A). However, this subsection does not apply to the collection of debt owed on a loan secured by a mortgage on real property. D.C. Code § 28-3814(l)(3).

Question: If a creditor or debt collector has obtained and served an order of attachment for a debtor’s wages or property, does a creditor’s or a debt collector’s continued acceptance of payments pursuant to such an order violate the Emergency Act?
Answer: No. D.C. Code § 28-3914(l)(2)(B) prohibits a creditor or debt collector from commencing any new action to attach wages or property of a debtor or serving an order of attachment for wages or property on a third-party trustee during the State of Emergency Period.  If a creditor or debt collector previously obtained and served an order, and is receiving payments pursuant to that order, the acceptance of those payments does not violate the Emergency Act.

Question: Where a creditor or a debt collector has obtained and served an order of attachment of a debtor’s wages, does the Emergency Act prohibit a creditor or a debt collector from reducing the amount of a debtor’s wages attached for a debt or halting attachment altogether?
Answer: No. If a creditor or a debt collector reduces the amount of wages or earnings being attached for a debt, whether in response to a debtor’s request or otherwise, such conduct does not violate D.C. Code § 28-3914(l)(2)(B).  Likewise, a creditor or debt collector does not violate D.C. Code § 28-3914(l)(2) or D.C. Code § 28-3914(m)(1) of the Emergency Act by filing and serving a notice of satisfaction of judgment, a motion dismissing a case, or motions to continue deadlines or hearings.

Question: Does the Emergency Act prohibit a trustee, such as an employer or a financial institution, from complying with an order of attachment?
Answer: No. A third-party trustee who is served with a court order of attachment to surrender money belonging to a debtor in settlement of a debt or claim, and who is not a “creditor” with respect to the debt or debtor at issue, is not regulated by D.C. Code § 28-3914(l)(B).

Question: Does the Emergency Act require creditors to halt all activity relative to the repossession of a vehicle?
Answer: Yes. Under D.C. Code § 28-3814(l)(2)(C), a creditor may not initiate, threaten to initiate or act upon the repossession of a vehicle. Calls, emails or letters stating an intention to repossess a vehicle would likely constitute a “[threat] to initiate or act upon any statutory remedy for the repossession of any vehicle” in violation of D.C. Code § 28-3814(1)(C).

Credit Unions

Question: Is a credit union a “debt collector” for the purposes of the Emergency Act?
Answer: No. If a credit union is collecting on its own debt, they are generally considered “creditors” under D.C. Code § 28-3814(b)(1A). However, if in the course of collecting on debts the credit union engages in debt collection on behalf of another seller, lender, or other creditor, it is considered a debt collector under D.C. Code § 28-3814(b)(3).

Question: Does the Emergency Act prohibit a credit union from making debt collections calls or from sending debt collection letters and emails? 
Answer: No. If acting as an original creditor, and not a debt collector, a credit union may make collection calls per D.C. Code § 28-3814(m)(3). Debt collectors, though, are further limited by the prohibited conduct in D.C. Code § 28-3814(m).

Non-Consumer Debts

Question: Does the Emergency Act govern collections of commercial debts?
Answer: No. The Emergency Act governs only the collection of debts incurred “for personal, family or household purposes.” D.C. Code § 28-3814(b)(1C). The Emergency Act therefore does not apply to the collection of debts incurred for business or commercial purposes.  

Question: Does the Emergency Act apply to a consumer who has obtained a legal judgment against a business and is seeking to enforce it?
Answer: No. A judgment against a business is not a “debt” as defined by D.C. Code § 28-3814(b)(1C).

Question: Does the Emergency Act govern collections of tax debts owed to the District?
Answer: No. The Emergency Act governs only the collection of debts incurred “for personal, family or household purposes.” D.C. Code § 28-3814(b)(1C).  

Información sobre la norma de carga pública

**In English**

La nueva norma de carga pública de la administración Trump es otro asalto a nuestros vecinos inmigrantes, obligando a las personas a elegir entre usar los servicios básicos y poner en peligro su estatus migratorio. El Distrito de Columbia, junto con decenas de ciudades y estados, continúa luchando contra esta regla que arroja obstáculos arbitrarios a la inmigración legal y pondrá en peligro a decenas de miles de residentes del Distrito y millones de inmigrantes en todo el país. No nos detendremos mientras esta administración da un paso más para cerrar las puertas a nuestra nación de inmigrantes.

El Distrito de Columbia es el hogar de más de 100,000 inmigrantes. Sabemos que muchos habitantes del Distrito tienen preguntas e inquietudes sobre la nueva norma de carga pública del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS, en inglés). Esta norma de la administración Trump afecta a las personas que hayan solicitado nuevas visas, renovaciones de visa o estatus de residente legal permanente (tarjetas verdes) a partir del 24 de febrero de 2020

Esta página contiene información general sobre la norma de carga pública y cómo los habitantes del D.C. pueden obtener más información y ayuda. La información a continuación es para fines educativos generales y no es asesoría legal.

Es importante saber:

  • La nueva norma de carga pública entró en vigencia a partir del 24 de febrero de 2020.
     
  • Muchos inmigrantes no se verán afectados por la nueva norma de carga pública. Por ejemplo, los asilados, los refugiados, los titulares de visas U y visas T, y los titulares de tarjetas verdes que solicitan la ciudadanía, no serán sometidos a un test de "carga pública".
     
  • La nueva norma de carga pública no cambia quién es elegible para recibir beneficios públicos. Muchos programas de beneficios en el Distrito de Columbia están abiertos a todos, independientemente del estatus migratorio. Esta nueva norma no cambia eso.
     
  • Los inmigrantes pueden seguir recibiendo los diversos beneficios públicos sin temor a que su estatus se vea afectado. Muchos programas de beneficios no se tienen en cuenta en el análisis de carga pública. Los inmigrantes pueden continuar aprovechando estos importantes programas sin ningún impacto negativo en su estatus; más información a continuación.
     
  • La Oficina del Fiscal General para el Distrito de Columbia está impugnando la norma de la carga pública en los tribunales. El Distrito de Columbia se unió a otros estados y presentó una demanda para detener la norma. Sin embargo, una decisión final de la corte podría tomar meses o incluso años. 

Información importante de COVID-19:

El 13 de marzo de 2020, el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los EE. UU. (USCIS, en inglés) publicó una alerta sobre el COVID-19 que indica que no considerará las pruebas, el tratamiento o la atención preventiva relacionada con el coronavirus COVID-19 como un factor negativo en la determinación de la carga pública. Esto significa que usted y los miembros de su familia pueden recibir tratamiento para el COVID-19 pagados por beneficios públicos, incluido Medicaid, y dicho tratamiento no se contará como un factor negativo en la determinación de la carga pública. 

Si está solicitando una tarjeta verde o ajuste de estado y ha sido afectado negativamente por el COVID-19, puede proporcionar una explicación con documentación de respaldo al Departamento de Servicios Humanos (DHS, en inglés).  Por ejemplo, si se le impide trabajar o asistir a la escuela, o debe depender de beneficios públicos como resultado de una cuarentena o distanciamiento social, puede proporcionar una explicación con documentación de respaldo al DHS y el DHS considerará dicha evidencia en su determinación de carga pública.

Durante esta emergencia de salud pública, la Oficina del Fiscal General (OAG, en inglés) continúa desafiando la Regla de Carga Pública y la insuficiencia de la alerta del COVID-19 del USCIS. La Alerta del COVID-19 del USCIS no reconoce que para recibir servicios de salud adecuados, los inmigrantes necesitan beneficios de seguro médico adecuados. Para lograr el objetivo declarado del DHS de alentar a los inmigrantes a examinarse y realizar tratamientos para el COVID-19, se los debe alentar a inscribirse o permanecer inscritos en programas de seguro médico, incluido Medicaid, y se les debe garantizar que dicha inscripción durante la emergencia de salud pública del COVID-19 no se considerará en ninguna determinación futura de carga pública.  La OAG continúa desafiando la Regla de Carga Pública y recientemente se unió a una carta de varios estados instando al DHS a al menos dejar en claro que la inscripción en Medicaid y el uso de los beneficios de Medicaid por cualquier motivo no se considerarán en la determinación de la carga pública.

PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES SOBRE LA NORMA DE CARGA PÚBLICA

¿Qué es una "carga pública"?

Una "carga pública" significa una persona que depende principalmente de la asistencia del gobierno para sobrevivir. Si las autoridades federales de inmigración determinan que es probable que una persona se convierta en una "carga pública" en el futuro, pueden negar la solicitud de visa o estatus de residencia legal permanente de esa persona.

Este concepto ha sido parte de la ley estadounidense por más de 100 años. Sin embargo, la nueva norma de la administración Trump hace que sea más fácil para el gobierno determinar que alguien es una "carga pública" y luego usar esa decisión para negar una solicitud de visa o tarjeta verde.

[Consulte "¿Cuáles beneficios públicos se considerarán cuando el gobierno tome una determinación de carga pública?" y "¿Cuáles beneficios públicos no se considerarán como parte de la determinación de la carga pública?" para obtener información adicional]

¿A quién afecta la norma de carga pública?

Las personas que pueden estar sujetas al test de carga pública son aquellas que buscan: 

  • Visas de inmigrante o no inmigrante desde el extranjero;  
  • Admisión a los Estados Unidos con visas de inmigrantes o no inmigrantes; y 
  • Personas que van a ajustar su estatus al de residente legal permanente (LPR, en inglés) dentro de los Estados Unidos. 

La mayoría de los actuales residentes legales permanentes (titulares de tarjeta verde) no se ven afectados por la norma de carga pública. 

¿Quién no se ve afectado por la nueva norma de carga pública?

La nueva norma de carga pública no afecta a todos aquellos que desean inmigrar a los Estados Unidos. Las siguientes personas no están sujetas a determinaciones de carga pública:

  • Refugiados, asilados e individuos bajo el Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS, en inglés).
  • Sobrevivientes de tráfico, violencia doméstica u otros delitos graves (ciertos solicitantes de visas T y U de no inmigrante, y personas que aplican bajo la ley de violencia contra las mujeres).
  • Ciertos inmigrantes y funcionarios públicos protegidos por la ley que estén enumerados en la norma.
  • Ciertos niños y adoptados internacionales que adquieren la ciudadanía estadounidense.
  • Intérprete específico afgano e iraquí, o ciudadano afgano o iraquí, empleado por o en nombre del gobierno de los EE. UU.
  • Ciertos candidatos cubanos y haitianos que solicitan el ajuste de estatus.
  • Ciertos nicaragüenses y otros centroamericanos que solicitan el ajuste de estatus.
  • Ciertos ciudadanos de Vietnam, Camboya y Laos que solicitan el ajuste de estatus.
  • No inmigrantes que buscan obtener o conservar visas asociadas con organizaciones internacionales, misiones diplomáticas (embajadas) o la OTAN (NATO, en inglés).
  • Cualquier otra persona que solicite y reciba con éxito una exención de los EE. UU. Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (p ej., miembros de las fuerzas armadas).

¿Qué beneficios públicos serán considerados cuando el gobierno tome una determinación de carga pública?

La nueva norma de carga pública define los beneficios públicos que pueden contar en contra de los inmigrantes para incluir solo los siguientes beneficios monetarios a nivel local, federal o estatal para el mantenimiento del ingreso y los programas federales de salud, nutrición y vivienda:

  • Ingreso Complementario de Seguridad (SSI, en inglés)
  • Asistencia Temporal a Familias Necesitadas (TANF, en inglés)
  • Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, en inglés)
  • Programas de vivienda:
    • Viviendas públicas subsidiadas
    • Sección 8 Asistencia de vivienda mediante el Programa de Bonos de Elección de Vivienda (HCVP, en inglés)
    • Sección 8 Asistencia de alquiler basada en proyectos
  • Medicaid para mujeres no embarazadas mayores de 21 años [No incluye lo siguiente: Medicaid para mujeres embarazadas; beneficios de Medicaid para personas menores de 21 años; Medicaid para pruebas, tratamiento y atención preventiva del COVID-19; Medicaid para servicios médicos de emergencia (Medicaid de emergencia); Medicaid para servicios basados en la escuela, incluidos aquellos provistos bajo la Ley de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades (IDEA, en inglés)]
  • Cualquier beneficio monetario tribal, local, federal o estatal para el mantenimiento del ingreso, incluidos los siguientes:
    • Programa de Empleo y Responsabilidad (POWER, en inglés)
    • Programa de Asistencia Provisional por Discapacidad (IDA, en inglés)
    • Asistencia General para la Niñez (GC, en inglés)

¿Qué beneficios públicos no serán considerados cuando el gobierno tome una determinación de carga pública?

Según la norma final, los siguientes programas no se considerarán beneficios públicos que cuenten contra los inmigrantes en la determinación de carga pública:

  • Ciertos beneficios de Medicaid:
    • Medicaid para mujeres embarazadas.
    • Beneficios de Medicaid para personas menores de 21 años.
    • Medicaid para pruebas, tratamiento y atención preventiva del COVID-19 (incluidas las vacunas, si hay una vacuna disponible)
    • Medicaid para servicios médicos de emergencia (Medicaid de emergencia)
    • Medicaid para servicios basados en la escuela, incluidos aquellos provistos bajo la Ley de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades (IDEA, en inglés)
  • Beneficios del Programa de Seguro Médico para Niños (CHIP, en inglés)
  • Cobertura de salud financiada localmente:
    • Programa Alianza de Salud del DC
    • Programa de Niños Inmigrantes del DC
  • Seguro de salud privado, que incluye:
    • Planes comprados a través de DC Health Link
    • Créditos/subsidios fiscales recibidos por dicha cobertura
  • Ciertos beneficios nutricionales:
    • Programa de Nutrición Suplementaria Especial para Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC, en inglés)
    • Comidas escolares gratuitas y reducidas (Programa de Almuerzo Escolar)
    • Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria por Desastre
  • Head Start
  • Healthy Start
  • Becas Pell
  • Seguro de Incapacidad del Seguro Social

Ayuda o servicios no gubernamentales no monetarios, como refugios y despensas de alimentos para personas sin hogar.

Tengo familia en mi hogar que recibe beneficios públicos. ¿Esto contará en mi contra en mi solicitud de inmigración?

No, tener familiares que reciben beneficios públicos no contará en su contra en su solicitud de inmigración. El test de carga pública es una prueba individual. Analiza los beneficios recibidos por cada persona que solicita una visa o el cambio de su estatus migratorio. No considera los beneficios recibidos por los hijos de esa persona u otros miembros de la familia. El DHS solo considerará los beneficios públicos recibidos directamente por el solicitante para su propio beneficio o cuando el solicitante sea un beneficiario listado del beneficio público.

¿Importa desde cuándo recibo beneficios públicos para las determinaciones de carga pública?

  • Sí, la norma solo aplica a ciertos tipos de beneficios públicos que los inmigrantes reciben a partir del 24 de febrero de 2020.

La norma NO aplica para beneficios públicos recibidos antes del 24 de febrero de 2020 (a menos que sean beneficios que ya se consideraron en determinaciones de carga pública anteriores, tales como TANF, asistencia monetaria local y estatal para el mantenimiento del ingreso, o SSI).

¿Importa la cantidad de beneficios públicos o el tiempo que los recibí en las determinaciones de carga pública?

Sí. La nueva norma de carga pública considera un factor de alta ponderación negativa si un solicitante recibe beneficios públicos por más de 12 meses en total, en cualquier período de 36 meses. La norma cuenta cada beneficio que un individuo recibe en cada mes por separado. Esto significa que la recepción de dos beneficios separados en un mes contaría como dos meses de beneficios. Por ejemplo, si una persona recibe tanto Medicaid como SNAP en un mes, la recepción de beneficios de esta persona contará como dos meses para efectos de determinar si la persona es o no una carga pública.

Al determinar este cálculo, el DHS solo considerará los beneficios públicos recibidos a partir del 24 de febrero de 2020 (a menos que sean beneficios ya considerados en anteriores determinaciones de carga pública, tales como TANF, asistencia monetaria local y estatal para el mantenimiento del ingreso, o SSI).

Soy un Residente Legal Permanente y tengo una tarjeta verde. ¿Los beneficios que recibo afectarán mi solicitud de ciudadanía?

No. El test de carga pública generalmente no se aplica a las personas que ya son Residente Legal Permanente (LPR) y nada de esto cambia en la norma final.

Sin embargo, hay algunas excepciones donde el test de carga pública se podría aplicar a los LPR. Estas están relacionadas con actividades delictivas, períodos prolongados por fuera de los Estados Unidos (más de 180 días) o abandono del estatus LPR.

¿La nueva norma de carga pública cambia los requerimientos de elegibilidad para beneficios públicos?

No. Los requerimientos de elegibilidad para programas y beneficios públicos no cambiarán como resultado de la nueva norma de carga pública. Los programas de beneficios en el Distrito de Columbia buscan ayudar a tantas personas necesitadas como sea posible y muchos están abiertos a todos, sin importar el estatus migratorio.

En particular, cada residente en el Distrito puede acceder a los siguientes programas sin importar su estatus migratorio:

¿Dónde puedo encontrar más información y ayuda legal?

Si tiene preguntas adicionales sobre la norma de carga pública o su situación específica, busque el asesoramiento de un abogado de inmigración.

Puede comunicarse con los beneficiarios de Servicios Legales de Justicia para Inmigrantes (IJLS, en inglés), en la Oficina de Asuntos Comunitarios de la Alcaldía. Puede encontrar la información de contacto en https://dc.gov/immigration-resources.

Las siguientes organizaciones también asisten a inmigrantes que necesiten ayuda legal y otros servicios en el área de Washington, D.C. Esta lista es parcial y se proporciona solo con fines orientativos.

AYUDA
Oficina de Washington, DC y Maryland
6925B Willow Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Teléfono: (202) 387-4848
Sitio web: http://www.ayuda.com

Oficina de Virginia
2701 Prosperity Ave, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031
Teléfono: (703) 444-7009

Centro Centroamericano de Recursos (CARECEN)
1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1, Washington, DC 20009
Teléfono: (202) 328-9799
Correo electrónico: info@carecendc.org
Sitio web: http://www.carecendc.org

Caridades Católicas de la Arquidiócesis del DC - Servicios Legales de Inmigración
Oficinas de Washington DC
924 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Teléfono: (202) 772-4352
Sitio web: https://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/ils/
1618 Monroe Street NW, Washington, DC 20010
Teléfono: (202) 939-2420

Oficinas de Maryland
12247 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20902
Teléfono: (301) 942-1790
201 E. Diamond Ave., 3er piso, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Teléfono: (301) 740-2523

5859 Allentown Way, Temple Hills, MD 20748
Teléfono: (202) 772-4352 para programar una cita.

Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Arlington - Servicios a Inmigrantes Hogar
6301 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22312
Teléfono: (703) 534-9805
Correo electrónico: hogar@ccda.net
Sitio web: https://www.hogarimmigrantservices.org

Just Neighbors (Servicios Legales de Inmigración)
7630 Little River Turnpike, Suite 900, Annandale, VA 22003
Teléfono: (703) 979-1240
Correo electrónico: info@justneighbors.org
Sitio web: https://www.justneighbors.org

Centro de justicia y asistencia jurídica
6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 250, Falls Church, VA 22041
Teléfono: (703) 778-3450
Sitio web: https://www.justice4all.org

Servicios familiares del norte de Virginia
6400 Arlington Blvd., Suite 110, Falls Church, VA 22042
Teléfono: (571) 748-2806
Correo electrónico: info@nvfs.org
Sitio web:
https://www.nvfs.org/our-services/immigration-legal-services

OAG Coronavirus Information Page

oag.dc.gov/coronavirus

OAG Services and Operating Status

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is responding to the needs of District residents during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. This webpage contains information for residents about their rights under District law, where to get help and access OAG services, and how to submit consumer complaints. This page is being updated as information becomes available.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is teleworking until further notice. You can access OAG services online and over the phone during our telework period at:

**Temporary Service of ProcessOAG is no longer accepting service of process in person due to the COVID-19 emergency. Litigants or counsel who are seeking to serve the District in a civil lawsuit may do so by mail in accordance with court rules, or by emailing chad.copeland@dc.govstephanie.litos@dc.gov, and tonia.robinson@dc.gov.

For updates from OAG on COVID-19, consumer tips, resources, and warnings: 

For the latest District government information about COVID-19 visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

Know Your Rights

Read OAG’s Comprehensive Consumer Alert to protect yourself from scams, price gouging, discrimination, and to get information about workers’ rights to paid sick leave. This alert is also available in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Join OAG Town Halls & Virtual Chats

"Take 30" Video Chats
OAG hosts weekly 30-minute virtual chats to discuss important issues to our community during COVID-19. Register for our next "Take 30" on June 12 at noon ET as we discuss how to support seniors during COVID-19.

Past Take 30 Chats:

  • Coping with Stress featuring internationally-recognized meditation expert Bob Roth (May 8): Video
  • Combating Hate and Extremism (May 22): Video
  • Stopping the Spread of Violence and COVID-19 (May 29): Video

Social Media & Virtual Chats
OAG is hosting weekly #AskDCOAG Twitter chats (@AGKarlRacine) for youth and families on important topics during the pandemic, such as managing family conflict, discrimination and civil rights, and more. Learn how District students can earn community service hours by participating.

Past Tuesday Twitter Chats

Know Your Rights Tele-Town Halls
OAG hosted several Know Your Rights Tele-Town Halls to educate stakeholders and the public about their protections under District law. Participants learned and asked questions about protections for District consumers, workers and tenants, and how to report price gouging, scams and discrimination:

Access OAG Services

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, OAG is teleworking until further notice. You can access OAG services online, over email, and on the phone during our telework period:

  • Website: oag.dc.gov
  • Email: oag@dc.gov
  • Phone: (202) 727-3400
  • Fax: (202) 347-8922
  • TTY: (202) 727-3400

Submit a Consumer Complaint
If you are a victim of a scam, or have been overcharged, or otherwise have been treated unfairly by a business, contact OAG’s Office of Consumer Protection at (202) 442-9828consumer.protection@dc.gov, or fill out an online consumer complaint form

Report Civil Rights Violations
If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may submit a complaint with OAG’s Civil Rights Section at (202) 727-3400 or OAGCivilRights@dc.gov, fill out an online form, or mail a complaint to OAG at 441 4th Street N.W., Suite 600S, Washington, D.C. 20001.

Report Worker Rights Violations
If you believe your rights are being violated, contact OAG by calling 
202-442-9828Learn more about worker rights and how to get help if your rights have been violated.

Contact Child Support Services
If you have questions about collecting child support or paying child support, call the Child Support Services Customer Care Team at (202) 442-9900 or email cssdcustomerservice@dc.gov. Child Support payments will continue as normal. DC Superior Court has cancelled all Child Support Hearings until May 15, 2020.

Contact our Elder Justice Team
You can report any suspected senior abuse or exploitation to our Elder Justice Team at (202) 727-3807 or elderjustice@dc.gov. You can also report it to the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or Adult Protective Services (202) 541-3950.

Connect with our Community Engagement Team
If you have questions about our work or how to access OAG services, connect with our Community Engagement Team by calling (202) 727-3400 or emailing OAGCommunity@dc.gov.

    Find Community Supports

    District agencies and local organizations are providing help to residents during the state of emergency. Below are several new resources for residents:

    Food Assistance

    Workers and Small Businesses

    Housing

    Healthcare

    Immigrant Community

    Children and Families

    Find more local resources by visiting coronavirus.dc.gov and Legal Aid Counsel’s comprehensive non-legal resource guide.

    Business Resources

    Full list of OAG consumer alerts, blogs, and newsletters regarding COVID-19

    High School Advisory Council

    High School Advisory Council
    Members of OAG's 2019 High School Advisory Council with Christina Jones, OAG’s Special Counsel for Strategic Youth Initiatives.

    OAG’s High School Advisory Council (HSAC) is an intensive six-week, paid program that brings District students together to make important policy recommendations to the Attorney General and his staff. Under the guidance and supervision of OAG professional staff, students are prompted to analyze real world problems to build their decision-making skills around complex issues. The purpose of the program is to give young people a seat at the table in making decisions about critical issues that directly affect them. HSAC members have opportunities throughout the year to discuss policy recommendations with the Attorney General.

    Please note that applications for 2022 HSAC must be submitted through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. For updates on their 2022 application process, please visit https://summerjobs.dc.gov/.

    Watch a short video about HSAC here, or the 2021 councilmember's Take 30 with AG Racine here.

    Questions? Please email oagcommunity@dc.gov.

    Teen Dating Violence Summit

    OAG's Teen Dating Violence Summit

    Teen Dating Violence Summit Poster

    According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 39% of women who live in the District of Columbia have reported physical assault, sexual assault, or stalking by a current or former intimate partner. To support youth and healthy relationships, OAG provides training to youth across the District on how to recognize different types of abuse, and how kids can get help if they need it. Now, student ambassadors from these trainings will lead a summit for teenagers to help them identify healthy relationships and eliminate unhealthy behaviors through interactive panels and discussion.

    Friday, February 21
    12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    * FREE * LUNCH PROVIDED * GIVEAWAYS * DCPS COMMUNITY SERVICE CREDITS *

    R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center
    2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE
    (Congress Heights Metro)

    Click here to register

    Contact OAGCommunity@dc.gov for information and/or to register.

    This event is sponsored by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Break the Cycle, and DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence.