Welcome to CIRA Scope—news and insights focused on the work, initiatives and impact of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA). CIRA Scope offers a closer look for you to observe and zoom in on the people, partnerships, and progress happening in immigrant and refugee communities.
Immigration attorneys urge online safety amid national rise in immigration scams
March 30, 2026
OMAHA — There has been a rise in what is known as immigration scams in the U.S., according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Nebraska is not immune.
These types of scams take advantage of vulnerable populations attempting to navigate the complicated U.S. immigration system by making false claims about attorney identity, access to resources, and more.
The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) has seen firsthand the harm and confusion these scams have caused; scammers have falsely claimed to be CIRA attorneys using their likeness and names in fake emails and through realistic-looking Zoom calls.
“These scams have led to individuals losing thousands of dollars, resources, and hope,” said CIRA Legal Director Roxana Cortes-Mills. “Immigration processes are complex, which makes it easier for misinformation and scams to spread. The best protection is accurate information and working with licensed attorneys or accredited representatives.”
Cortes-Mills offered three tips for communities to avoid immigration scammers.
1. CIRA will never charge attorney fees. If someone does have to pay some fees, their attorney will explain what they are and how to pay. CIRA will never ask for payments through Zelle, wire transfers, or social media.
2. CIRA will never talk with clients about legal cases or appointments via social media, including WhatsApp. Before people click on a social media profile, Cortes-Mills urges them to make sure it’s the correct one.
3. Before people click a link in an email or respond to one claiming to be an immigration organization or legal representation, they should check the domain name.
In the end of year review for 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow declared “war” on immigration fraud.
“USCIS is committed to pursuing those who exploit, abuse, and undermine the integrity of the immigration system,” the statement outlined.
CIRA serves the entire state of Nebraska and parts of southwest Iowa. When cases of immigration fraud come from outside of that coverage area, CIRA attorneys work with other community organizations and law enforcement to offer support for those impacted.
The exact number of these cases is hard to count, according to Cortes-Mills, because some people may not feel comfortable reporting the crime. In those cases, CIRA attorneys will work with the individual to report on their behalf.
If someone suspects they have encountered this type of scam, CIRA encourages people to contact the Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline (NILAH) or the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s fraud unit.
NILAH: 855-307-6730
EOIR’s fraud number: 877-388-3840
In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our diverse team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services. We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to resources they need to live. Operating in 6 different offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay.
To empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.
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