Dallas Refugee & Asylum Attorneys With 50 Years of Experience
If you are seeking protection in the U.S. as a victim of persecution in your home country, our Dallas-based asylum and refugee lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will help you navigate the process. We’ll assist with filing extensive paperwork, preparing for interviews, petitioning for family members, and representing you in court to prevent deportation.
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Why People in Dallas Trust Spar & Bernstein for Asylum and Refugee Protection
We’ve helped countless individuals throughout the Dallas area apply for asylum and refugee status. Whether you’re applying from within the U.S. or at the border, our attorneys will prepare and submit your application, represent you during interviews or court proceedings, and fight for your right to stay in the U.S. We also assist Chicago families by petitioning for qualifying relatives.
Refugee vs. Asylee: Understanding the Difference
A refugee is someone who seeks protection while still outside of the United States.
An asylee is someone who has fled persecution and applies for asylum at the border or after entering the U.S.—often right here in cities like Dallas. In both cases, applicants must show they face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
How Refugee Status Is Obtained in the U.S.
To qualify for refugee status:
- Receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)
- Complete an application, preferably with a local immigration attorney
- Attend an interview abroad with a USCIS officer who determines eligibility
- If approved, you’ll receive:
- A medical exam
- Cultural orientation
- Assistance with travel to the U.S.
- A loan for your travel
Once resettled in the Dallas area, you may be eligible for temporary cash support, healthcare, and community-based resettlement services.
How to Apply for Asylum as a Resident in Dallas
There are two types of asylum processes available to those in Dallas:
- Affirmative: File Form I-589 with USCIS while residing in Dallas. Attend a biometrics appointment and an interview with a USCIS officer.
- Defensive: Apply for asylum as a defense to deportation while in removal proceedings. Present your case before an immigration judge at Dallas’s immigration court.
Rights of Refugees Resettled in the U.S.
Once approved for refugee status, you may:
- Stay in the U.S. indefinitely
- Obtain a work permit
- Apply for a Green Card after one year
- Petition to bring your spouse and children to join you in Dallas
- Apply for U.S. citizenship five years after becoming a permanent resident
Rights and Protections for Asylees in the Dallas Area
Asylees approved in Dallas enjoy these rights:
- The ability to remain in the U.S. indefinitely
- Work authorization (via Form I-765)
- Petition for family members to join you
- Apply for permanent residency one year after asylum is granted
- Apply for citizenship five years after becoming a permanent resident
- Access local support services throughout Dallas
Legal Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers Across Dallas
Our team of Dallas asylum lawyers is committed to protecting your rights. We assist with asylum interviews, credible fear reviews, family-based petitions, and court representation—whether you’re applying proactively or fighting deportation.
Asylum Lawyer Dallas FAQs
How Can a Dallas Asylum Attorney Assist if I’m Facing Expedited Removal at the Border?
If you’re in expedited removal, a Dallas asylum lawyer can help request a credible fear interview, represent you during detention hearings, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Fast action is critical in these cases, and legal representation can mean the difference between deportation and staying to seek asylum.
What Should I Look for When Hiring an Asylum Lawyer?
When searching for the right Dallas asylum attorney, prioritize someone with experience handling complex asylum claims, a strong understanding of current immigration trends, and the ability to build a compelling narrative around your persecution story. Look for client testimonials and professional affiliations as indicators of credibility.
Can an Attorney Help if I’ve Already Been Denied in Another Country?
Yes. A Dallas-based asylum lawyer can help build a new and independent case in the U.S., even if you were denied in another country. They’ll analyze why the prior claim was rejected and ensure your current application meets all U.S. legal standards for asylum eligibility.
How Does Legal Representation Improve My Asylum Chances in Dallas?
An experienced asylum lawyer in Dallas not only understands legal strategy, but also knows how to present your case in a way that resonates with USCIS officers and immigration judges. Their knowledge of local court practices and interview protocols can significantly improve your odds of approval.
Are There Risks to Applying for Asylum Without a Lawyer?
Yes. Filing without legal help increases the risk of missed deadlines, incomplete evidence, and weak legal arguments—all of which can lead to denial or even deportation. A Dallas asylum attorney ensures your case is properly prepared and helps you respond to any unexpected challenges during the process.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
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