Immigrants Allege Malpractice by Former Attorney
Thousands of immigrants who sought legal assistance for a brighter future in the United States are now grappling with the fallout from their immigration cases. Many former clients are leveling serious allegations of legal malpractice against ex-attorney Alexandra Lozano, claiming that her missteps and dubious practices have led to life-altering consequences.
Denied Green Card Applications and Fear of Deportation
Among those affected is Diana Barajas, a resident of Washington state who paid over $13,000 to the Lozano Law Firm in hopes of securing a green card. After a wait of five years, her application was ultimately denied.
Aspirations Turned to Frustration
Barajas immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. in 2009 with dreams of a better life. Living in Seattle with her husband and son, she engaged Lozano’s services to manage her immigration process in 2021. However, she soon found herself facing setbacks. Her application was rejected due to a missing required physical signature, a mistake she believes should have been caught by her legal team.
Communications that Raised Alarms
“I frequently inquired about the status of my application, and my attorney indicated that everything was progressing well,” Barajas shared. “However, the immigration officer expressed concerns about the signature. I was told to simply resubmit it; later that day, I discovered online that my application had been rejected.”
Widespread Allegations Against the Law Firm
Barajas is one of many claiming negligence. According to the lawsuit against Lozano, clients were allegedly directed to utilize electronic signatures on forms that explicitly required original handwritten signatures. In numerous instances, clients reported being asked to sign blank sheets of paper, which facilitated the submission of immigration documents without proper review.
Impact of Negligence on Immigrants
“What may seem like an innocuous signature can lead to deportation proceedings, adding to a host of complications, expenses, and emotional distress,” Barajas commented. The emotional and financial repercussions of her application’s rejection have been profound. As a provider for her family, Barajas, who balances two jobs, had trusted the law firm from the outset.
Community Response and Legal Changes
Currently, Barajas is one of 34 individuals named in the ongoing lawsuit against Lozano. While she has secured representation from a new attorney and refiled her green card application, the uncertainty about her immigration status continues to loom heavily over her life.
Reflection and Cautionary Tales
In hindsight, Barajas recognizes several warning signs she initially dismissed. She recalls the alluring promises of guaranteed outcomes and the absence of in-person meetings with an attorney. By sharing her story, she hopes to enlighten others, potentially steering them away from similar predicaments.
In Fresno, 26 former clients have already signed on to join the lawsuit. Those who believe their immigration cases were mishandled by the Lozano Law Firm are encouraged to seek information about participating in the legal action.
