A Houston-area immigration lawyer is facing federal charges after allegedly collecting money from clients for immigration applications that prosecutors say were never properly filed.
Alla Nowowiejski, 44, was indicted on charges of mail fraud and making false statements related to her work as an immigration attorney, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Federal prosecutors allege that clients paid Nowowiejski to help them obtain or change their work authorization status and pursue work visas. However, the indictment claims that she failed to submit some applications altogether, while others were allegedly filed only partially.
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The allegations go beyond incomplete applications. Investigators say Nowowiejski allegedly gave clients documents and case numbers that were tied to other active immigration cases.
According to the indictment, those materials were allegedly presented in a way that led clients to believe their own immigration matters had been filed with and were being handled by immigration authorities.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted with the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest.
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The investigation was carried out by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. The Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 1, also assisted investigators.
The case could carry significant penalties if Nowowiejski is convicted. She faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The charges are allegations, and an indictment does not establish guilt. Nowowiejski is presumed innocent unless she is convicted through due process of law.