My mother overstayed visa in hong kong, what to do? Need to get back to USA! How can I help her?

She should better go to HK Immigration department asap, and explain to immigration officers. She will possibly will be given a short period to get out (say two weeks or within a week). Prepare for her a return ticket. In this case, she may then be refused entry for a period which can be two years.

So, she should go to HK immigration and not the US embassy office? She is nervous, thinking they will detain her (jail). Does anyone know about how much the fines will be? Should I arrange her exit travel from the US? She has overstayed for 8 months...stupid, I know, but it's the situation she's in!

Maybe it is better to find her a lawyer, HK immigration is strict about its laws and regulations. 8 months is kind of serious case, so try to stop the case be passed to a prosecution department, no matter how much they fine. God bless and good luck.

Thanks for the help guys! Hoping for the best...will know in the next 48 hrs.

I have experience of a similar issue, I suggest making sure you have a water tight explanation for the overstay and employ a lawyer. A suspended jail sentence is probable.