Frequently Asked Questions

Act quickly. Try to obtain the person's full name, A-number, date of birth, country of citizenship, detention location, and any immigration paperwork they may have. An attorney can review the detention history, identify whether bond or another form of release may be available, and determine what deadlines or hearings are approaching.

A Notice to Appear is the charging document that begins removal proceedings in Immigration Court. It states why the Department of Homeland Security believes you may be removable from the United States. Receiving an NTA does not necessarily mean you will be deported, but it does mean you should have your case reviewed as soon as possible so you understand the charges, available defenses, and important deadlines.

You are not required to have an attorney, but Immigration Court proceedings can be complex, and the government is represented by counsel. An immigration attorney can evaluate the charges against you, identify possible forms of relief, prepare evidence and applications, make legal arguments, and represent you before the Immigration Judge.

Yes. Although Akela is based in South Florida, her immigration practice is nationwide. Because immigration law is federal, she may represent eligible clients before Immigration Courts and federal immigration agencies throughout the United States, including in many matters handled remotely when permitted by the court or agency.

Form I-601A is a provisional unlawful-presence waiver available to certain individuals who must leave the United States for consular processing and would otherwise trigger a three-year or ten-year unlawful-presence bar. Approval generally requires showing extreme hardship to a qualifying relative.

An RFE, or Request for Evidence, means USCIS wants additional information before making a decision. A NOID, or Notice of Intent to Deny, is more serious because USCIS is explaining why it intends to deny the case unless the concerns are successfully addressed. Neither automatically means the case is lost, but both require careful review and a timely response supported by the strongest available evidence and legal arguments.

Akela is admitted to practice law in Missouri and Albania and is authorized to practice federal immigration law before U.S. Immigration Courts and federal immigration agencies nationwide. Because immigration law is federal, her practice is not limited to clients located in Missouri or Florida.

Yes. Consultations may be conducted virtually, allowing clients to meet with Akela from anywhere in the United States or abroad when appropriate. Consultation fees may vary depending on the type and complexity of the matter, so clients should contact the office for the current consultation fee and scheduling options.

If you decide to retain Akela as your attorney after the consultation, the consultation fee may be applied toward the total legal fee for your representation.