ABOUT US
Our Mission
To help immigrants and refugees achieve their American dream by providing high-quality and affordable legal services
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 through the Department of Jurscue. 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 Impact
- 20 Years serving Lincoln and the State of Nebraska
- Over 10,000 Clients served since our nonprofit was founded
- On average, we provide the same service as a private attorney for up to 80% less in cost
- CLIA is the only nonprofit office in Lincoln/ West of Omaha to provide the full array of direct legal services
- CLIA paved the way by being the first nonprofit in Nebraska to receive a U-Visa approval for immigrant victims of domestic violence
- Over 400 U-Visas filed providing immigration relief for domestic violence survivors
Affordable
Committed
Efficient
Highly Skilled
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.
Meghan Sonenberg, Attorney
Ms. Sonenberg is licensed to practice law in Nebraska with a J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Ms. Sonenberg received her B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Jonathan Rubio, DOJ Rep
Mr. Rubio is a Bi-lingual DOJ Accredited Representative and graduated from UNL, with a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology. Mr. Rubio is also a Notary Public.
Alicia Ramos Gordin, DOJ Rep
Ms. Gordin Ramos is a is bi-lingual, and is a DOJ Accredited Representative, and graduated from Doane University with a B.A. in Human Relations.
Kewan Asaad, Paralegal
Ms. Asaad graduated Law school at Cihan University in Erbil, Iraq. She can now assist clients in English, Kurdish, and Arabic.
Ellie Woods, Project Coordinator
Ms. woods Ellie Woody graduated from UNL with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish. She can assist people in both English and Spanish.
Francisca Peterson, LMHP, MN
Ms. Peterson is a native Spanish speaker who has a Masters degree. She has served both as a school psychologist and as a main support staff member for CLIA since 2013.
Why We Are Different
Our Approach
At CLIA, we specialize in bringing legal immigration assistance to you. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure that you understand the choices you are making and feel empowered to make them.
A Team Dedicated to You
Every week, our legal team has a meeting to discuss cases. This means that the expertise of the whole team weighs in on your case.
Legacy of Success
CLIA has been serving the community since 2001 and has a proven track record of success. We use that experience to help you achieve your immigration goals.
Our Board of Directors
Frequently Asked Questions
What does your organization do?
Our organization opens doors of equal opportunity for people affected by immigration law through extensive programs and services. CLIA has a staff composed of both immigration Attorneys and Department of Justice Accredited Representatives. We offer assistance in Spanish.
What makes you different from other offices and attorneys in town?
Our organization opens doors of equal opportunity for people affected by immigration law through extensive programs and services. CLIA has a staff composed of both immigration Attorneys and Department of Justice Accredited Representatives. We offer assistance in Spanish.
What Are the Payment Methods You Accept?
Our office accepts cash, checks, money orders, cashier checks, credit and debits cards. There is a $30.00 fee for any returned checks. There is a % fee for credit and debit card payments.
Are You the Right Law Firm for Me?
Our office is not motivated by profits or the bottom line. We were created to help those who would otherwise not have been able to afford quality legal services. CLIA cares about our clients and our return rate for future services proves that.
How Will I Be Kept Informed about My Case?
Our office will keep you updated on all notices, appointments, and requests. The client may choose their preferred contact method to better suite their needs.
How Can I Contact Your Office?
You may contact the office by calling us at (402) 471-1777
You can reach us by email at info@clianeb.org or by emailing your specific legal representative
You can also reach our staff by filling out our contact form on our website.
Do I Really Need an Attorney?
Filing the correct paperwork is an important part of the processes of acquiring a visa, getting a loved on residence in the United States, and finalizing your marriage to an immigrant, among other procedures. This paperwork is usually extensive and complicated, and without the help of an expert, there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes that sink your entire application permanently.
No matter what you’re situation is, you have options. Your expert immigration attorney can lay out these options in front of you, making sure you understand the full scope of your circumstances. Whether you’re facing deportation or something else, your situation is likely very sensitive, and urgent. Isn’t it important that you understand those options that you can take moving forward?
Why our prices are less than local private firms?
CLIA services are catered to low-income individuals or those who have suffered domestic violence. If you do not meet those criteria we offer a sliding scale to ensure that our services are cost-effective.
Thanks to funding from various donors and grants our office is able to provide direct legal immigration services.
If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law.
CLIA analyzes all cases for eligibility, file the required forms, and adheres to high ethical standards to ensure sustainability and transparency.
I think I might have a immigration issue / How do I become a client?
Fill out an intake form online, which can be found under New Client or pick up an intake at our office. You should be prepared to provide your phone number, address, the immigration-related concern you have, what country you are from, and when/how you entered the country. Our attorneys and DOJ-accredited legal representatives meet every Thursday (unless it is a federal holiday) to discuss cases.
To become a client follow the link to fill out an intake form online and complete online or email to Ellie@clianeb.org with the subject line New Intake. You may also choose to mail us your intake at 3047 N 70th St Lincoln, NE 68507.
English
Arabic
Pashto
Spanish