Government

Attorney General Abbott Stops Second Houston Woman From Providing Unauthorized Immigration Services

By Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

March 8, 2005

Yolanda Perez operated out of church facilities, claimed to be a former Immigration employee

AUSTIN– Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today announced he has halted a second Houston woman from charging hundreds of Hispanic consumers up to thousands of dollars for unauthorized immigration-related consulting services. Abbott obtained a temporary restraining order and asset freeze against Yolanda Perez, just weeks after he announced a similar lawsuit against another Houston woman.

Perez, who operated a nonprofit corporation called New Anointing/Nueva Uncion, falsely told clients she was a former employee of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. She provided services in Harris County for at least four years, advertising on misleading business cards. In order to lend credibility to her business, she operated out of office space she leased from various churches.

Lawsuit against Yolanda Perez / Nueva Unción

“It seems some scam artists will stop at nothing to swindle people who simply want to call Texas home,” said Attorney General Abbott. “I am determined to shut these people down. Texas law is very clear about who can provide immigration consulting services, and those who disregard the law will be brought to justice.”

Perez’s company is the 21st such business Abbott has stopped from providing unauthorized legal advice on immigration matters.

According to the lawsuit, which alleges violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Perez charged clients initial fees of $300-$400 per person for help with immigration visas, permanent residency and/or work or travel permits for themselves or their relatives. Perez, who also operated under the names “Greater Houston Family Outreach” and “Servicios a la Comunidad,” would give immigration forms to clients to mail, but would often address them incorrectly, causing many to be returned. As a result, many consumers lost hundreds of dollars in immigration filing fees, and some received notices to appear at deportation hearings. Several consumers were unable to contact Perez about their problems, and at least one found her office doors locked with no relocation information.

Perez also falsely represented herself as an attorney. In Texas, only licensed attorneys and nonprofit organizations specifically accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) can charge fees to advise and represent clients in immigration matters.

One Houston man paid between $3,500 and $4,000 to Perez to fill out forms and provide other immigration services for him and his daughter.

“I trusted her because she was working out of an office in the church and I did not believe anything bad was going to happen because these things took place in a church,” the man said in an affidavit. “Despite all of Yolanda Perez’s promises and alleged expertise, I was subjected to deportation proceedings.”

A Pasadena woman also lost approximately $3,100, claiming Perez’s actions placed her and her daughter in danger of deportation.

“I complained to Yolanda Perez about these problems, but she claimed that she and her family were not responsible,” the woman said in an affidavit. “She advised me that my best option would be to voluntarily leave the United States.”

She added, “It is just not fair that this woman can continue to do this to so many people.”

A court hearing to consider a temporary injunction against Perez is set for March 14.

Former or current clients of Perez who wish to file a complaint should immediately contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-252-8011. Consumers can also call that number to file a complaint against any other suspected unauthorized operation. Assistance is available in Spanish and English.

Information on this and other topics is available on the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

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