A Houston immigration attorney has been charged in federal court over an alleged scheme involving work-status and work-visa filings for clients.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the case on September 9, 2026. Prosecutors say 44-year-old Alla Nowowiejski was charged with mail fraud and false statements and was taken into custody before making an initial appearance in federal court.
What prosecutors allege
According to the indictment, Nowowiejski accepted payments from clients to help them establish or adjust work status and apply for work visas. Prosecutors allege that some applications were never submitted or were only partially submitted.
The indictment further alleges that clients were given false documents or reference numbers tied to unrelated active immigration cases, creating the impression that immigration authorities were processing their filings.
Potential penalties
If convicted, Nowowiejski could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible maximum fine of $250,000, according to the Justice Department.
The investigation involved 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.
What this means for clients
The case is a reminder that applicants should independently verify receipt notices and case numbers through official government channels whenever possible, particularly when a filing has major consequences for immigration status or employment authorization.
An indictment is an accusation, not proof of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the court process.
