A sprawling network of immigration law offices that marketed itself to vulnerable immigrants as an “oficina de milagros” — an “office of miracles” — is accused of making tens of millions of dollars while steering clients into fraudulent, flawed or improper immigration applications, in some cases without their knowledge. More than 53,000 applications may be affected.
Catholic Charities of Oregon’s Immigration Legal Services team is now working with other legal organizations to help former clients in Oregon understand what was filed on their behalf — and what options may still be available.
The closure of a Washington state-based immigration enterprise has left tens of thousands of immigrants across the country trying to determine what was filed in their names — and what it could mean for their futures.
Catholic Charities of Oregon’s Immigration Legal Services team is already encountering former clients of Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law, later known as La Luz del Camino Legal and Luz Legal, and is working with other legal organizations to determine how it can help those affected in Oregon.
“For many people, the financial damage may pale in comparison to what this could do to their immigration case,” said Julian Glasser, an attorney with Catholic Charities of Oregon’s Immigration Legal Services. “Under the current Trump administration’s policy, whenever a person’s immigration benefit application is denied or withdrawn, the Department of Homeland Security automatically places them in removal proceedings.”
A Nationwide Scandal
Alexandra Lozano built an immigration law enterprise headquartered in Tukwila, Wash., with offices and clients across the country.
Former clients have alleged that Lozano’s office filed baseless or fraudulent applications seeking humanitarian immigration protections, embellished accounts of abuse and, in some cases, placed clients’ signatures on documents without their knowledge or consent.
The allegations center in part on T visas, which offer protection for certain survivors of human trafficking, and self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA self-petitions allow vulnerable immigrants to pursue legal immigration status without relying on an abusive family member.
“They create a pathway for someone to seek permanent status on their own instead of relying on their abusive spouse, parent or child to petition for them.” Glasser said.
The fallout from Lozano’s alleged misconduct is unfolding on several fronts. The Washington State Bar Association brought disciplinary allegations that included unreasonable fees, meritless claims, inadequate supervision and conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation. Some clients reportedly paid $10,000 or more for representation.
A civil class-action lawsuit has also been filed on behalf of former clients, while the Washington Attorney General’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation that could potentially lead to criminal charges.
Lozano denied wrongdoing but permanently resigned from the Washington State Bar in May rather than contest the disciplinary charges. Her firm subsequently closed, and federal immigration authorities suspended her from practicing before immigration agencies and courts.
The scale is extraordinary. Lozano’s signature reportedly appears on more than 53,000 pending immigration cases.
Oregon Families Are Among Those Affected
The fallout has reached Oregon.
At a recent event in Woodburn, CCO helped former Lozano clients complete change-of-address forms so important immigration correspondence would reach them rather than the now-closed firm.
“Some of these cases may be viable and can be salvaged,” Glasser said. “We need to identify those cases and figure out how we can help.”
There is no single solution. An application might need to be corrected or amended, withdrawn or handled another way entirely — and each option can carry consequences.
First, Find Out What Was Filed
For anyone represented by the Lozano firm, Glasser says an essential first step is obtaining a complete copy of their client file.
The Washington State Bar Association has established a process to help former clients retrieve their files. People may also need to obtain federal immigration records through a Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, request. Those with pending cases should also file a change of address so USCIS correspondence reaches them instead of the closed firm.
“They need to be able to assess their individual situation,” Glasser said. “You have to know what’s in the file and understand the risks of each option.”
Once those records are in hand, a qualified, independent immigration attorney can determine what was submitted and help identify the best path forward.
Second, Find a Path Forward
Catholic Charities is working with other immigration legal providers, including private attorneys and the local chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, to better understand the scope of the problem in Oregon and connect affected people with assistance.
Some former Lozano clients may qualify for CCO’s existing Immigration Legal Services programs. Glasser is particularly interested in reaching people who may qualify for CCO’s Rural Program, which serves survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in rural Oregon communities.
But eligibility for that program shouldn’t stop others from seeking help. CCO encourages former Lozano clients in Oregon who are concerned about their cases to come forward.
Glasser recognizes that many may feel afraid, overwhelmed or even ashamed that they trusted Lozano and her firm. He urges them not to let those feelings keep them from taking action.
The situation also underscores something Catholic Charities’ immigration attorneys see every day: Access to qualified, trustworthy legal representation can profoundly affect someone’s future.
For those caught in the fallout of the Lozano firm’s collapse, getting answers about what happened is the first step toward determining what comes next.