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.
If you are seeking asylum, call our firm today at (888) 203-1706. We offer legal services in English and Spanish.
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.
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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Get the Support You Deserve from a Firm That Truly Cares Let’s take the first step together.We’re here to protect what matters most. With personalized strategies, bilingual support, and years of proven success, we stand by your side every step of the way. -
Immigration Help Starts HereGuidance for Green Cards, Visas, Relief & More
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Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Meaders Law PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thank you"I had the pleasure of working with Alexandria at the prestigious trial lawyers college in Wyoming. It was there that I saw firsthand her dedication to her craft and her clients. I have referred many clients to her and to date have received no complaints. Alexandria is as smart as she is beautiful and I would trust her with my family’s immigration.- B. B.
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"Went above & beyond"Alexandra passionately works to defend and protect her clients, often going above and beyond what is required. I have personally witnessed this. I saw her put everything on the line to defend a client who needed her help. And she works extremely hard. She is always prepared. She knows immigration proceedings and litigation up and down. Strongly recommend her to someone looking for an immigration attorney.- A. D.
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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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"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.
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"Very impressed!"I have hired many attorneys over the years both for my business and personally for legal matters, and hands down Alexandra Meaders is the most professional, knowledgeable, and persistent lawyer I have worked with. I recently had a family matter that required a criminal lawyer at 10 pm on a weeknight and she returned my call immediately, gave me expert legal advice, and handled my issue within minutes. Very impressed!- D. S.
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"Devoted to her casework"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.
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"I highly recommend Meaders Law"I am in the health care world that is all about trust. I take referrals deep at heart and I want to make sure that my patients get the top referrals. I highly recommend Meaders Law. This is where I have referred to for these cases.- H. C.
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"Gifted Attorney!"Alexandra is a gifted attorney with a demonstrated history of obtaining positive results for clients. My opinion is based on both personal and professional experience. Professionally, Alexandra and I met during law school almost four years ago. Upon meeting her, I was impressed with her language skills, cultural fluency, and professional demeanor. These skills served well then and now. These natural abilities allowed her firm to grow into the successful practice it is today. From a personal standpoint, she was there to assist when I called for her opinion regarding my girlfriend's visa issue. As a corporate attorney, I lacked the subject matter expertise and needed someone with experience on such matters.. We discussed the matter in detail based off my initial research. Again, I was impressed with her ability to navigate the complex areas of law with ease. She was up to date on all changes in the law and the best courses of action. It is evident Alexandra is a seasoned attorney with the know-how to get results.- J. P.