Houston-Area Attorney Charged With Immigration Fraud: How to Verify Your Own Case

At Campos Law Firm, we closely monitor developments in U.S. immigration policy to protect our clients’ rights and future. On September 17, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that its staff assisted in the investigation that led to the arrest of a Houston-area immigration attorney over an alleged fraud scheme.

One point this blog never skips: a charge is not a conviction, and the defendant is presumed innocent. Here is what is known, what is not, and what you can do.

What are the charges?

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, a federal grand jury charged Alla Nowowiejski, 44, of Houston, with mail fraud and false statements. She made her initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge on September 9, 2026.

The indictment alleges she accepted client payments for immigration services and never submitted the applications, or submitted them only in part. It also alleges she gave clients false documents and reference numbers that actually belonged to unrelated cases, to make them believe their filings were moving forward. According to Houston news reports, the alleged victims number more than a hundred.

The investigation was handled by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, USCIS, and the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 1. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

One detail helps explain the pattern: in February 2024, a Harris County court had already entered a civil judgment against her for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

How do you verify your own case?

This is the part that puts you back in control, and you do not need anyone’s help to do it.

• Ask for your receipt number. USCIS issues a 13-character number: three letters followed by ten digits. If your attorney cannot give you one, that is the first red flag.
• Open your own USCIS online account. It is free and it belongs to you, not to the law office. It shows the real status of each filing.
• Check case status with the receipt number in the USCIS system, or call the agency’s contact center.
• Confirm the name and date match what you were told. A receipt number that belongs to someone else, or to a different kind of filing, is exactly what this indictment describes.
• Check the attorney’s license with the bar association of the state where they practice. A license can be suspended.

And one distinction that costs our community dearly: a notary public in the United States is not an attorney, and is not a “notario” in the Latin American sense. A notary cannot represent you before USCIS or in immigration court.

Which documents should every client hold?

If you have an open case, these belong in your hands, not only in your attorney’s office.

• A complete copy of everything filed, with exhibits, exactly as it was submitted.
• Form G-28, the attorney’s notice of entry of appearance before USCIS. If an attorney represents you, that form exists and you should have a copy.
• Payment receipts and proof of mailing or electronic filing.
• Every notice from USCIS and the court, including biometrics appointments.
• A written agreement stating which services the payment covers.

What if you think you were defrauded?

• Gather everything before confronting anyone: receipts, messages, contracts, names and dates.
• Check your case’s real status before drawing conclusions; sometimes the filing exists and is simply delayed.
• Consult another immigration attorney about which deadlines are still open. If an application was never filed, a clock may be running.
• Report the fraud: USCIS and the Federal Trade Commission accept complaints, and the state bar handles grievances against attorneys.
• Ask whether your situation opens a protection: victims of certain crimes may qualify for specific relief. Do not assume it; ask.

Protect Your Immigration Status with Campos Law Firm

A well-handled case can be audited at any moment: the client knows what was filed, when, and under which receipt number. At Campos Law Firm we work that way because it is what the work requires, and because our clients deserve to know exactly where their file stands. We do not make unrealistic promises. We provide serious legal representation backed by preparation and integrity. From immigrants, for immigrants.

Do not leave your immigration status to chance. Call us today at +1 (844) 922-6767 to schedule a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. Campos Law Firm: Legal Solutions in All Areas of Law.