“I was born again, was given a second chance in life and I am looking forward to be human being again more than ever.”

My name is Mauro Souza de Oliveira, 41 years old Brazilian who applied for political asylum in the United States, (based on my sexual orientation) on October/2005.

I went to the border of Mexico and the United States (between Tijuana and San Isydro) and personally requested admittance under asylum. The DHS detained myself for 6 months thereafter. It was only the beginning of a wild roller coaster. While in detention and without much research, I hired my first lawyer which turned out to be a complete disaster. After my first hearing before an Immigration Judge (at the Detention facility) to present my asylum application, I had to fire her for mishandling my application/case. With the help of a friend in San Francisco, we hire a big and well known law firm there, to represent my case. Just because a law firm is big and well known, don’t ever assume they are good and will take a good care of your case. To make a long story short, I was released after 6 months in detention, upon paying a bail bond, which was reduced from $30,000 to $5,000. The new law firm got my case transferred to SF where I went to live. After couple months we went before the new Judge to get a new final hearing date for my case. It was set for 7 months later. Believe it or not, the big law firm completely mishandled my case.

My designated attorney left the firm and I was only informed of it a month before my final hearing. We scramble to put the case together before the final hearing and 4 days before it the worst happened. The law firm lost originals of my case and while confronting it’s owner about it, I was mistreated and offended by him. That after paying a fortune for the firm. I was left alone in the cold SF without an attorney 4 days before my final hearing. Desperate, I entered a building and hired the first immigration attorney that I found, who coincidentally was Brazilian. I thought I was in good hands but again I “made another mistake”. Four days later my Judge granted another date for my final hearing, which was set for 6 months later. But I knew I had to research better to find an attorney I could really trust. Since I was detained by the DHS, I made a promise to never settle for less and never compromise my only chance to become legal in the US. Since I had some time, I started researching for a better representation. I made 2 appointments with 2 different lawyers before meeting with Hedi. Hedi Framm Anton was referred to me by 2 Brazilians in SF, who had their asylum cases won by her office.

I went to Hedi’s office on the day and time set by her secretary, which is outside downtown SF, where most attorneys are. This is just one of the things that makes Hedi different from the others. The staff are professional and friendly. Hedi met me on time and was very friendly as well, patient and understanding. Her honesty and sincerity made feel comfortable and at ease. Hedi is very easy to talk to and she will tell you how it is, without giving you false promises. I had no doubt and decided to hire on the first meeting after she accepted to take my case. For my luck, my new Judge decided to retire a month before my 3rd final hearing scheduled. Again, my final hearing was changed for months later, until they could hire a new Judge. Hedi successfully got my case advanced months before and I was well represented finally and Hedi won my case successfully and professionally. What it means to me? I was born again, was given a second chance in life and I am looking forward to be human being again more than ever.

After 2 venues, 3 Judges and 4 attorneys my instincts were right.

“I was born again, was given a second chance in life and I am looking forward to be human being again more than ever.”
- Mauro Souza de Oliveira

Hedi is a petit pretty lady, but don’t be fool by it. She is a warrior who won’t let a single stone unturned.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Mauro