Affirmative Asylum & Defensive Asylum Attorney Your Legal Needs are Our Priority.

Dallas Affirmative Asylum & Defensive Asylum Lawyer

Seeking asylum can be a complex and emotionally charged process. No matter if you’re navigating the affirmative asylum process or find yourself in need of defensive asylum, Meaders Law PLLC is here to offer comprehensive and personalized legal support. Our experienced team recognizes the importance of securing a safe and stable future for you and your family, and our attorney can walk you through the process and advocate passionately on your behalf.

What Is the Difference Between a Refugee & an Asylum Seeker?

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a refugee is “a person outside his or her country of nationality who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.”

Asylum seekers, also known as asylees, need to meet the same requirements as refugees—and the only distinction between the two is location. Asylees are already in the United States or present at a port of entry. This difference necessitates two unique application processes.

If you are seeking asylum, call our firm today at (888) 203-1706. We offer legal services in English and Spanish.

Understanding Affirmative & Defensive Asylum

Affirmative asylum refers to the process where individuals proactively apply for asylum through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without being in removal proceedings. This route is typically accessible to individuals who are physically present in the United States, regardless of how they arrived or their current immigration status, provided they submit their application within one year of their last arrival.

The process involves filing Form I-589, attending an interview with an asylum officer, and proving that they are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Affirmative asylum seekers are often at an advantage as they have more time to prepare their case, gather evidence, and are not detained during the process.

On the other hand, defensive asylum arises in the context of removal proceedings. This option is for an individual facing deportation but claims asylum as a defense against removal from the United States. Individuals can end up in defensive asylum proceedings after being apprehended in the U.S. without legal status or after an affirmative asylum application has been denied and referred to the Immigration Court by the USCIS.

The defensive asylum process can be significantly adversarial—involving a formal court hearing before an immigration judge where the individual and their attorney must present evidence and argue their case against a government attorney. The burden of proof remains the same as in affirmative asylum cases, but the stakes are notably higher given the immediate risk of deportation.

While this lays out the major differences between the two types of asylum, it’s important to note that no two cases are the same, so having an attorney on your side who understands your unique situation and potential roadblocks can be an incredible asset in navigating the process.

How Meaders Law PLLC Can Help

Our Dallas affirmative and defensive asylum lawyer can play a pivotal role in the asylum-seeking process, offering not just legal guidance but also compassionate support during a critical time. Our firm can help you understand the complexities of immigration law, ensuring your application or defense is as strong as possible.

We guide you through every step of the process—from meticulously preparing your case and gathering essential evidence to representing you in interviews or court hearings. At Meaders Law PLLC, we are deeply committed to standing with our clients, championing their rights and dignity, and striving to ensure their voices are heard in their pursuit of protection.

Call our team today at (888) 203-1706 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.

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"I would highly recommend this firm to all"
The firm has treated us with so much respect and great confidence. We had several meetings throughout our 4 month process & bilingual assistance helped us a lot. So much stress Pero La Abogada Alexandra Meaders gave us faith, hope, & that confidence every family needs through tough times. She was professional in all the categories throughout our process. She answered all our questions. There were many scenarios that could of happened, but our family member was released from Immigration in 1 day which was a blessing. We were in relief & so excited from the news. The 4 month process went smooth with the high determination she has on her JOB. She communicated with the client before & after court dates. There is not enough words to D=describe her commitment and confidence she has for her clents. I would highly recommend this firm to all. Thank you so much :) #Blessed

- J. M.
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Extremely pleased with Alexandra Meaders. It is very clear she is devoted to her casework and really cares about her clients. I would highly recommend reaching out to Alexandra and her team.

- D. V.
"Confident, Skilled, and Victorious"
I had the honor of having Attorney Alexandria Meaders represent my husband in his case against ICE and let me just say, I was blown away! Her communication with me made me feel confident about the entire situation. She’s extremely educated and knows exactly what she is doing. Not only did she win my husband’s case but she got an even lower than expected bond for him!! Her confidence while representing my husband was such a sight to see. I will definitely come back to her if ever the situation calls for her expertise. I highly recommend attorney Meaders to anyone looking for strong and professional representation.

- M. D.
"Prompt & Efficient"
Alexandra is helping us with a time-sensitive, stressful Green Card situation. She acted very promptly and was very efficient and clear with the steps that needed to be taken. She was very reassuring and helped reduce the stress of the whole experience!

- A. W.
"She Fought and Won for Us"
This is a great law firm. The communication they keep on their end is amazing. She will fight till the end for you and she showed that today helping my father get his residency today. It was a long discouraging battle and she kept hope and won. If you’re looking for an immigration lawyer this is the place to go to. I promise you, your money will be worth it.

- E. R.
"Much appreciated!"
I saw her on youtube on a Radio station interview and I thought she would be great help for my friend who needs help here in America. I went to her office along with my friend for her appointment. I noticed the lawyer is very organized, she went step-by-step to go through all the information with my friend. My friend was so worried but she calmed her down and listened to her attentively. After the meeting, my friend was so relieved. My friend also told me she followed up promptly with her to make sure everything is in place. My friend and I truly appreciate her help.

- C. K.
"Best Legal Advise"
Alexandra Meaders is a great lawyer who provided me the best legal advice during a complicated situation. She is honest and keeps your best interest. I highly recommend her for representation. You will obtain the best possible results.

- M. G.
"Dedicated, Thorough, Trusted"
Attorney Meaders is hardworking and dedicated to all of her clients. She is very thorough and knowledgeable and you will see that once you meet her. I highly recommend going to Meaders Law for any legal issues you need. Attorney Meaders and her staff are highly qualified and you will not regret it.

- M. W.

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Specializing in immigration, Meaders Law PLLC offers unique legal strategies to address complex cases effectively.
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