Immigrants say they fear deportation after firm of 'Attorney of Miracles' shuts down

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Two longtime Southern California residents say they are terrified they could face deportation after the immigration law firm they hired shut down, leaving them uncertain of what will happen with their visa applications.

Both women were clients of Alexandra Lozano, a Seattle area attorney who resigned in lieu of discipline from her state's bar and is now facing a mass lawsuit from some of her other former clients.

Lucila Garcia says she has lived in the United States for decades and worries she could soon be separated from her three adult children, all born in the U.S. "I'm very afraid," she said in Spanish, adding, "I don't want to leave my kids alone here."

Garcia signed a contract two years ago with Lozano's immigration law firm. For $11,900, she sought legal help to obtain a humanitarian visa and a work permit. She says she sold donuts on Los Angeles streets to pay the monthly fees.

But with her case still pending, Garcia says Lozano shut down her nationwide firm, which had an office suite inside a Commerce business building.

"Psychologically right now, I feel sick...because of what's happening to me. At night I sleep thinking about the problems, thinking about all of this."

Francisca Cruz, who has lived in Los Angeles since 1989, says she is also afraid.

"Yes, right now I'm afraid that immigration services could come directly to my door," she said. Cruz signed a contract for $12,000 worth of legal services at Lozano's Commerce office but says she does not know the status of her case. "I feel bad because it was my husband's savings," she said.

Two months ago, the Department of Homeland Security issued a notice to former Lozano clients stating, "If you were represented by Alexandra Lozano and have petitions or applications pending...we need an updated mailing address to continue processing your case."

Some other clients have sued Lozano, accusing her of using images of the Virgin of Guadalupe "in her marketing materials to convey the impression she is capable of miracles."

The lawsuit also alleges Lozano filed "fraudulent" paperwork for some immigrants, claiming they were abuse or trafficking victims "often without their knowledge or their consent."

Neither Lozano nor her attorney responded to requests for comment for this story on Cruz and Garcia. Last month, her attorney Angelo Calfo told 7 On Your Side that Lozano has helped thousands achieve legal status and that "Alexandra denies the allegations that have been raised by a small number of the thousands of individuals she has represented. She will address those allegations fully in court."

When asked what she plans to do next, Garcia said, "It's just that I don't know what to do."

Both Garcia and Cruz say they have registered to join the mass lawsuit. The Seattle attorney leading the case says more than 5,000 people have signed up, including about 220 from the Los Angeles area. The suit also alleges Lozano amassed a multimillion dollar real estate portfolio and traveled on a pink private plane.