Woman says immigration attorney scammed her husband

Michelle Rios said the attorney she hired, Manuel Solis, promised her one of two things: a work permit for her husband or residency in the United States for her husband.

She said Solis’s associates promised the case would be closed in six to 18 months.

Rios showed KFOX14 News receipts proving that she’s paid about $4,000 to the firm.

She said she's not allowed to speak to Solis. In fact, she said that every time she goes to an appointment she's helped by someone different who knows nothing about her case.

"It's been almost three years and nothing has been done,” Rios said. “They just keep giving us the run around."

An immigration expert, who did not want to be identified, said that he's familiar with Solis and his practices.

He said that Solis runs a very well advertised scam and the firm tries to portray some of their programs as government programs so that people will think they're legitimate.

“They never explained to us that because he (Hector Rios) came in illegally it would take longer," Rios said.

Jessica Anne Cabot is an immigration attorney who said immigration malpractice is commonly underreported.

Cabot said that people who feel they’re victims should take three steps:

1)     Write letter to the Texas Attorney General

2)     Complain to the Texas State Bar Association

3)     Hire a civil attorney or another immigration attorney

"There are consequences to immigration malpractice that money cannot solve,” Cabot said. “Someone may they find themselves in a situation where they or their family member ends up getting deported because of immigration malpractice."

The Manuel Solis Law Firm personnel said they would look into the matter and respond to KFOX14 News.

If you have a story that you feel deserves media attention, contact Ric Dupont at ric.dupont@kfoxtv.com.