Disbarred Lawyer’s Fraud Leaves Hundreds of Immigrants in Limbo, But a New Attorney Offers Hope
MONTGOMERY, AL – A Mexican grandmother who has lived in the United States since she was a toddler is among hundreds of Alabama residents victimized by a disbarred attorney, Douglas Cooner. Now, thanks to the pro bono work of attorney Danny Upton, many are finally finding a path to legal residency.
Upton is successfully petitioning for approximately 100 immigrants to receive U visas – a status reserved for victims of crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. These visas offer a pathway to permanent legal status after three years. He argues Cooner defrauded his clients by charging for ineffective legal representation that ultimately jeopardized their immigration status. So far,Upton has secured visas for around 50 individuals,with another 50 cases progressing positively.
What Happened?
A decade ago, Cooner gained a reputation for swiftly securing green cards for
