A Houston-area immigration attorney has been arrested and indicted on charges of mail fraud and making false statements. Alla Nowowiejski, 44, allegedly accepted payments from clients seeking to establish or adjust their work status in the United States. According to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas, Nowowiejski collected fees for visa applications she never submitted or only filed in part.
The indictment alleges that Nowowiejski's actions left clients in legal limbo without their knowledge. She allegedly provided clients with fraudulent documents and reference numbers associated with unrelated active immigration cases. These materials were used to deceive clients into believing their applications were being actively processed by immigration authorities.
The investigation that led to Nowowiejski's arrest was assisted by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other agencies involved in the investigation include the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the US Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Harris County Constable's Office, Precinct 1.
Nowowiejski faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000 if convicted on all charges. The number of clients affected and the total amount of money she allegedly collected have not been disclosed by prosecutors. An indictment represents a formal accusation of criminal conduct and does not constitute evidence of guilt.
Nowowiejski is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law. The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the indictment and arrest on September 25, 2026. The case highlights the importance of verifying the credentials and work of immigration attorneys.
In a related development, a Nigerian national, Joseph James Nantomah, was sentenced to four years in prison for swindling over $2.7 million from dozens of victims across the United States and abroad. Nantomah was sentenced on September 18, 2026, by United States District Judge Lynn Adelman in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
The case against Nowowiejski serves as a reminder to individuals seeking immigration services to be cautious and thoroughly research the attorneys they hire. Clients should verify the status of their applications and ensure they receive regular updates on the progress of their cases.
Key points
- Alla Nowowiejski, 44, faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 if convicted.
- The investigation was assisted by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other agencies.
- Nowowiejski allegedly provided clients with fraudulent documents and reference numbers to conceal her actions.
