About us
Who we are
We are a team of attorneys, accredited representatives, paralegals, therapists, and support staff committed to helping immigrants and refugees in Nebraska.
Founded in 2001, CLIA met the demand for low-cost immigration assistance west of Omaha. CLIA successfully filed the first approved U-Visa application in the state of Nebraska.
Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, CLIA is a 501 (C)3 certified nonprofit and is accredited by the Department of Justice. We have an experienced staff of attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives available to help those in need all over the state. Additionally, we are the only nonprofit in Lincoln that provides the full array of legal immigration services.
Our Approach
Our Mission
To help immigrants and refugees achieve their American dream by providing high-quality and affordable legal services
Whether it is direct legal services, education, or employer training, we are there to support the immigrant community locally in Lincoln and state wide.
Our Vision
We want immigrants and refugees to feel comfortable in seeking professional and affordable legal immigration advice
We are a team of attorneys, accredited representatives, paralegals, therapists, and support staff committed to helping immigrants and refugees throughout their legal process.
Our Staff
Mary Choate, Executive Director
Mrs. Choate is licensed to practice law in Nebraska and holds a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law. Mrs. Choate received B.S. in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University.
Jonathan Rubio, Supervisor & DOJ Rep
Mr. Rubio is a bilingual DOJ Accredited Representative and graduate of UNL with a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology. Mr. Rubio is also a Notary Public.
Robyn Leatherwood, Staff Attorney
Ms. Leatherwood is the UPLIFT staff attorney for CLIA and a graduate of Baylor University School of Law. She received her Bacheolrs of Arts in Political Science and Government at Houston Christian University
Alicia Gordin Ramos, DOJ Rep
Ms. Gordin Ramos is a bilingual DOJ Accredited Representative and graduate of Doane University with a B.A. in Human Relations.
Kewan Asaad, DOJ Rep
Ms. Asaad is a bilingual DOJ Accredited Representative and graduated from Law school at Cihan University in Erbil, Iraq. She can assist clients in English, Kurdish, and Arabic.
Ellie Woody, DOJ Rep
Ms. Woody is a bilingual DOJ accredited Representative and graduate of UNL with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish.
Roxana Luna, Project Coordinator
Roxana Luna studied international business and has an admiration for the unique traits all cultures contribute to life. She is a bilingual office support staff as the VOCA project coordinator who speaks both English and Spanish.
Francisca Peterson, LMHP, MS
Ms. Peterson is a native Spanish speaker who has a Masters degree. She has served as a school psychologist and as a primary support staff member for CLIA since 2013.
Our Partners
Our Impact
We have numbers that push us to give our best and make sure that we break our own records. We are happy to be growing and helping more day by day.