Frequently Asked Questions
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SOS focuses primarily on deportation defense, representing people who are facing removal, detained by immigration authorities, or fighting their case before an immigration court or federal court. Our work includes bond hearings, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), habeas corpus petitions in federal court, and federal civil rights cases related to immigration enforcement. We also assist with certain employment authorization applications for clients already in defensive proceedings.
Beyond immigration court, SOS has federal litigation capacity that sets us apart from many immigration firms. We handle habeas corpus petitions challenging unlawful or prolonged detention, claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) arising from government misconduct, and broader civil rights matters involving constitutional violations connected to immigration and law enforcement. If your situation involves not just your immigration status but how you have been mistreated by the government, we may be able to pursue accountability on your behalf.
If you are unsure whether your situation falls within what we handle, please submit an intake form — English / Español — and we will let you know how we may be able to help or connect you with someone who can.
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Upon intake, SOS will review the initial case facts and may follow up with a consultation. Our firm is committed to obtaining the best result for you and your loved ones, and we always prioritize release from ICE custody. Please note that the likelihood of release depends on the specific facts of each case and current laws or policies; SOS cannot always guarantee release.
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Bond eligibility is currently dependent on where you are detained. Federal courts across the country currently disagree about who qualifies for a bond hearing, and this issue is likely headed to the Supreme Court. In some regions, courts have ruled that people arrested in the U.S. interior can request bond — in others, courts have sided with the government's push to deny bond to a much wider group. Where you're held, how you entered the country, and any criminal history all affect your eligibility. It is important to know that individuals in Texas and Louisiana are NOT eligible for bond if they entered the country without inspection. However, individuals in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and many other states are eligible, depending on criminal history and individual circumstances. If you are currently in a state that allows for bond, it is critical that you move quickly to submit a bond request ,and likely a petition for habeas corpus, to preserve your right to bond in the event you are transferred to Texas or Louisiana or another state without the right to bond. If you need assistance, please fill out the SOS intake form as soon as possible.
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After a consultation, the legal team will make a cost assessment based on the type of case and circumstances. SOS has a sliding scale for legal services, and our services are priced below average service rates. We offer reduced or “low bono” rates for those in detention and without means to pay the full rate. We also offer payment plans to make legal representation more accessible.
If you cannot afford our services based on our initial cost assessment, we work with clients to find a fee arrangement that reflects their financial circumstances. We understand that certain immigration situations may leave families with reduced resources or ability to pay. If our services are not financially feasible for your situation, we will do our best to accommodate or refer you to other attorneys or legal aid organizations that may be able to assist. We never want cost alone to be the reason someone goes without legal help.
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We understand that immigration matters are often urgent, and we want to move as quickly as possible for you. Once you submit our intake form, our legal team will review your situation and may request documents from you or a trusted contact to help us assess your case. If we move forward together, we will send you an engagement letter. Once that is signed and an initial payment is received, our team gets to work.
One thing to keep in mind: if you currently have another attorney representing you, we cannot represent you in that matter. All previous legal representation will have to be terminated prior to engaging SOS.
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IteYes. SOS is a fully remote firm and has represented clients in immigration courts and federal courts throughout the southeast. Geographic reach depends on the type of case and the specific court or forum involved. Please submit an intake form with your location and case details, and our team will assess whether we are able to assist you.
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Typically no. At this time, SOS is not accepting any affirmative cases (USCIS benefits), except for employment authorization applications under a defensive posture. However, we are happy to refer affirmative cases to other attorneys.
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Immigration cases vary widely in their timelines and it is difficult to predict with certainty how long any individual matter will take. Cases before immigration courts can span many months to several years, depending on the court's docket, the type of relief being sought, and whether appeals or federal court proceedings are involved. Our team will give you the most realistic picture we can based on your specific situation, and we will keep you informed as your case moves forward.
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Staying in touch with our clients is a top priority, and we will reach out the moment we have news on your case. We will also send you or a trusted, designated family member regular updates about your case. Immigration proceedings can move slowly, especially given recent policy changes and court backlogs, and updates are sometimes harder to predict than we would like. We appreciate your patience and want you to know that silence from our end means we are still working – not that your case has been forgotten.
If you have any questions about your case, you can always call us Tuesday through Thursday during office hours (9 am to 6 pm) at (786) 671-8133. This window gives our team time to check in with relevant agencies and courts before your call. While your attorney may not always be immediately available, other members of our legal team are ready to help and will make sure your questions get answered.
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Attorney-client confidentiality means that our legal team can only discuss the details of your case with you directly, unless you have given us written authorization to speak with a specific person. If you would like a trusted family member or contact to receive updates, let us know, and we can document that permission in your file. Family members calling on your behalf without prior authorization may be limited in the information we are able to share, but we will always let them know how to get in touch with you or direct them to the appropriate next step
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Typically, yes. A final order of removal does not always mean that all legal options have been exhausted. Depending on your circumstances, there may be grounds to file a motion to reopen your case, pursue an appeal, or seek relief through federal court. If you or a loved one has a final order and is facing deportation, please reach out as soon as possible; time is often a critical factor in these situations.
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Yes. Everything you share with SOS as part of a legal consultation or representation is protected by attorney-client privilege and our strict confidentiality obligations. We will not share your information with immigration authorities, government agencies, or any third party without your explicit consent or unless legally necessary. These protections exist regardless of your immigration status, and they apply from the moment you speak with our legal team. We want you to feel safe sharing the information we need to help you.
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If you or a loved one is being detained by immigration authorities or is facing imminent deportation, please call us immediately at (786) 671-8133. You can also submit an intake form and mark the situation as urgent. Time is critical in detention and deportation situations, and the sooner we have the relevant information, the sooner we can assess what legal options may be available. Therefore, it is critical that you provide as much information as possible through the intake form. While we cannot guarantee outcomes, we will move as quickly as possible to evaluate the situation and advise you on next steps
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SOS is a fully remote firm, which means our team works with clients throughout the country, with a focus on the southeastern United States, without a traditional in-person office. Consultations, document exchanges, and case communications take place by phone, video call, and secure electronic means. You do not need to be in the same city as your attorney for us to represent you effectively. If you have hearings before an immigration court or federal court, your attorney will appear on your behalf or alongside you as required, and we will prepare you thoroughly for any proceeding that requires your presence.