Houston Asylum Lawyer

Affirmative Asylum, Withholding of Removal & CAT Relief

If you seek asylum, you should begin the process with an experienced advocate as soon as possible. Your success depends on your asylum attorney’s knowledge and advocacy. Attorney Mana Yegani can help you pursue relief from removal, even in challenging circumstances. She will guide you through every step, protect your rights, and make sure your case takes advantage of every timely opportunity.

In Houston, asylum cases proceed through the local U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) office or the Houston Immigration Court on Smith Street. Each case needs careful preparation and an understanding of how local judges and officers interpret current law. Attorney Yegani brings years of experience with these agencies and uses her insights from working in Houston’s diverse communities to build compelling applications. Houston offers many sources of support and resources but also requires applicants to adapt to legal challenges specific to the local landscape.

How to Qualify for Asylum

You may qualify for protection under asylum or refugee status if you come from a country where you have experienced persecution or believe that you will be persecuted if you return—based on strong evidence.

The persecution must be based on at least one of five grounds:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Political opinion
• Membership in a certain social group

Ms. Yegani brings extensive experience in handling all legal aspects of asylum cases before the immigration court. She can also address any issues at the Houston Contract Detention Facility (CDF or CCA) if you or a relative is in immigration custody and deportation proceedings have started.

Reasons to Apply for Asylum

Ms. Yegani and our team care about the threats you face if you return to your home country. We provide legal counsel and representation to clients in Houston who fear for their lives and their families' safety due to religious, racial, political, or nationalistic persecution. Our team can act quickly to stop deportation proceedings and help you seek asylum in the U.S.

Many individuals and families arrive in Houston after long journeys. The city’s large immigrant population offers vibrant cultural diversity, and local organizations such as the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative provide additional support. Applying for asylum not only helps you avoid removal, but also starts the path toward a more secure future for you and your loved ones.

We represent individuals and families who meet the qualifications for:

• Affirmative Asylum Action: A one-year statute of limitations applies to most people seeking asylum who entered the U.S. on a visa. If you fear for your life or have experienced human rights violations in your home country, you may be eligible. Once granted asylum, you can live and work in the U.S. and have the right to apply for lawful permanent residency (LPR) status.
• Withholding of Removal: This relief is similar to asylum but does not grant the right to apply for LPR status. Applicants use the same form (I-589). If you miss the one-year asylum deadline or are otherwise ineligible, you might qualify for withholding of removal or relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) treaty.
  • Your chance of success depends on showing that persecution in your home country is more likely than not. Immigration judges make the final decision after a hearing. For this reason, working with an assertive immigration defense lawyer is very important.
• Convention Against Torture (CAT) Treaty Relief: If you are not eligible for asylum or withholding of removal, you may still qualify under CAT. Applicants with felony or serious criminal convictions often rely on the CAT application using Form I-589. Ms. Yegani can help you present your case, which must show that torture is more likely than not if you return to your home country. The standard is high, but the law offers a last avenue of relief where legitimate danger exists.

If immigration authorities have detained you, contact The Law Office of Mana Yegani as soon as possible to discuss your options for relief. Attorney Yegani has helped many clients navigate difficult deportation cases over the years. Each case presents unique facts and challenges.

Obtain Freedom From Persecution

You have the right to fight deportation. Meet with a Houston asylum attorney from our team to discuss your case and find out if you may qualify for affirmative asylum, withholding of removal, or relief under the CAT treaty.

If your application moves forward, you may need to attend an interview at the Houston Asylum Office, which oversees local cases and provides in-person interviews. Officers will review your testimony and documentation, ask questions, and determine if your claim meets asylum requirements. Applicants must gather evidence, prepare personal statements, and can include statements from Houston-based organizations if available.

Individuals with court hearings attend sessions at the immigration court in downtown Houston. Each process requires you to track deadlines and respond to local requirements. Our team helps you organize materials, adapt to specific procedures, and prepare for question sessions unique to Houston’s officials at each stage.

Local Support for Refugees in Houston

Living in Houston, you can access a range of local resources and support systems during your asylum process. The City of Houston's Office of New Americans and Immigrant Communities works to help refugees and immigrants integrate into the community. The Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative offers more resources and support for those facing the complex immigration process.

Many newcomers also use legal aid clinics offered by the University of Houston Law Center and various local nonprofits. These groups provide information about Houston processing times, help with paperwork, and sometimes offer referrals for housing, language classes, or counseling. Having access to the right support makes the transition easier and can help you find services that fit your needs.

One major challenge for refugees in Houston is fear of deportation and having an uncertain legal status. Attorney Mana Yegani understands local immigration issues and can guide you in seeking asylum and protecting your rights. If you must appear at the Houston Contract Detention Facility or face deportation proceedings, a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make a real difference.

Houston's welcoming and diverse communities, along with language access through our Spanish, Farsi, and Russian services, make it easier to get the help you need. However, navigating legal requirements and deadlines remains challenging, so having a supportive legal team is essential.

Choosing The Law Office of Mana Yegani means working with a team deeply familiar with the local and legal challenges faced by refugees in Houston. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and move forward toward stability in the United States.

The Houston Asylum Filing Process: What to Expect

When you begin the asylum process in Houston, you submit your application through the local USCIS Asylum Office, or, if you face removal proceedings, in immigration court. After filing, you may receive a notice for an interview at the USCIS Asylum Office. During your interview, an officer reviews your case, examines your documents, and asks questions to evaluate your claim. Those who go before the immigration court attend hearings in downtown Houston, where a judge reviews all the circumstances of your situation.

Processing times in Greater Houston can be lengthy, as local demand occasionally leads to significant backlogs. It’s important to stay prepared for possible delays and ensure you submit all required materials by the deadlines. Local community organizations can help you stay up to date and find support while you wait. By understanding the asylum process, you can approach each step with confidence and clarity. Connect with a refugee lawyer in Houston as soon as possible.

After the Decision: Next Steps and Resources

If you receive a decision on your asylum or refugee application, you gain new opportunities and responsibilities. Approved applicants can apply for work authorization and, after one year, pursue lawful permanent residency if they qualify. Many reconnect with family and start building a stable future in the United States. In Houston, several nonprofit groups offer programs to help asylees adjust, including job assistance and housing resources.

If your application is denied, you may have the option to appeal. While Houston immigration judges and officers follow national standards, local legal service providers regularly offer information sessions about appealing decisions and finding alternative legal avenues. Whether you receive asylum or need to explore other forms of relief, connecting with local resources can help you protect your future in the United States. Turn to a trusted asylum attorney in Houston to learn more.

Get the support you need from our skilled refugee attorney in Houston. Reach out at (832) 981-2170 now to book your initial consultation.