For Sam Moiz

Sohail (“Sam”) Moiz has lived in the United States since he was seven years old, and this is the only country he has truly known. Before Sam was even 14, he had already lost both of his parents and was never legally adopted. His mother died when he was very young, and his father was brutally murdered while working behind the counter at a gas station in 1995 in San Antonio, Texas. After that, Sam grew up alone, grieving, without stable support, real resources, or anyone able to meaningfully guide him. Despite that heartbreaking beginning, Sam built his life here and has spent more than 35 years contributing to the community around him. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, mentored youth, volunteered weekly at his religious institution, donated books, and read to children at the library. Service has remained a big part of Sam’s life, even through his own hardship.

Today, Sam is detained by ICE at the Montgomery detention center and is facing possible deportation from the only home he knows. ICE also detained Sam in 2005 and released him after six months because they were legally required to do so. After that, Sam complied with every requirement placed on him, including wearing an ankle monitor until that requirement was deemed unconstitutional. Even so, he is now being detained again while still having never had a real, fair pathway to legal status. Funds raised for Sohail will go toward urgent legal fees, including filing a writ of habeas corpus, securing proper legal counsel, and pursuing legal status through a possible U visa pathway. One legal quote to take on his case came back at $150,000 to $200,000, though the family hopes to secure representation for a more reasonable amount. Even so, the costs are still expected to be at least in the tens of thousands, with more than $15,000 already spent and total legal expenses expected to exceed $20,000. Please support Sam if you can. Every contribution will help him fight this detention, stay with his family and community, pursue stable and meaningful work, and have a fair chance to remain in the United States.