Full Breakdown
Seattle Immigrant Denied Re-Entry After Alleged Fraudulent VAWA Application
8/13/2026, 5:46:45 AM
Core Event
Nora Murillo, a 46-year-old Mexican-born resident of Seattle for 27 years, was stopped by Customs and Border Protection on her return flight from Aguascalientes. Agents informed her that she had missed an immigration-court hearing and that her VAWA-based permanent-residency application had been denied on January 2. Detained at the airport, Murillo chose to leave the United States and fly back to Mexico the next day.
Background & Context
The Violence-Against-Women Act (VAWA) permits certain survivors of domestic violence to seek immigration relief. Alexandra Lozano, an immigration attorney who marketed herself as “La abogada de los milagros” (“The Miracle Lawyer”), promoted a fast-track VAWA program to clients, promising work permits, green cards, and refunds of the $15,000 fees if the applications failed.
Key Figures & Groups
- Nora Murillo – Mexican-born U.S. resident, mother of three U.S. citizen children (ages 21-24).
- Alexandra Lozano – Immigration attorney whose Seattle office advertised miracle-success VAWA filings; later surrendered her Washington State Bar license.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Federal agency that denied Murillo’s application.
- Plaintiffs (at least 35 migrants) – Individuals filing class-action lawsuits alleging fraud by Lozano’s firm.
Timeline
- February 12 – Murillo’s last trip to Mexico to care for her ailing father.
- January 2 – USCIS denied her VAWA application after a missed court hearing.
- Following the denial, Murillo was detained at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and returned to Mexico the next day.
- Murillo filed a federal lawsuit in Seattle; Lozano surrendered her law license and closed her offices.
- Additional plaintiffs joined, expanding the suit to at least 35 individuals.
Data & Statistics
- Fees charged by Lozano’s firm ranged up to $25,000 per client; Murillo paid $15,000.
- Complaints cite 54,000 pending cases left in limbo after the office closed.
- Lawsuits allege Lozano used client fees to purchase a $25 million private jet, a mansion in Mexico City, and two luxury condominiums in Seattle and Chicago for $4 million.
- At least 35 plaintiffs have filed, including five migrants who were deported to Mexico.
Official Statements & Responses
- Federal complaints assert that more than half of the VAWA declaration submitted for Murillo contained false or exaggerated information, and that the firm never requested evidence to support the claims.
- Lozano’s surrender of her law license was filed after the lawsuits were initiated.
- USCIS has not issued a public comment on the specific denial of Murillo’s case.
Criticism & Opposition
- Plaintiffs contend that Lozian’s marketing videos and office décor, such as a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe, created a “providential” image that misled vulnerable immigrants.
- The lawsuits argue the firm’s promises of refunds and quick green cards were deceptive, especially given the lack of verification of victim testimony.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The federal litigation continues, seeking restitution of fees and accountability for the alleged fraudulent filings. Plaintiffs hope a court ruling will deter similar schemes and provide some compensation to those, like Murillo, whose lives were disrupted.
