Communities across the United States have become havens for individuals seeking protection from persecution, abuse, crime, and humanitarian crises worldwide. Our immigration practice recognizes that each person seeking humanitarian protection brings unique experiences requiring sensitive, trauma-informed legal support. We help vulnerable individuals access critical immigration protections designed to offer safety and stability in the United States.
Affirmative Asylum Protection
For individuals who have recently arrived in the United States seeking protection from persecution, the affirmative asylum process offers a pathway to safety before cases enter the immigration court system. Our approach combines thorough legal preparation with trauma-informed support.
Documentation and Evidence
We work closely with asylum seekers to document their experiences through detailed declarations that capture the full context of their persecution.
This often involves:
- Creating comprehensive timelines of events leading to their flight
- Gathering documentary evidence from their home country
- Obtaining expert testimony about country’s conditions
- Securing medical or psychological evaluations when relevant
- Collecting supporting statements from witnesses
Many asylum seekers arrive with limited documentation. Our experience helps bridge these gaps through creative evidence gathering and thorough country conditions research. We maintain relationships with experts at universities nationwide who can provide crucial testimony about conditions in various regions.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
The United States has seen an increasing number of unaccompanied children arriving after suffering abuse, abandonment, or neglect. SIJS provides these vulnerable children crucial protection through a two-step process:
State Court Proceedings
We guide families—often the single parent or guardians—through state family court proceedings to obtain necessary findings about abuse, abandonment, or neglect and the child’s best interests.
This includes:
- Working with parents, guardians, and/or social workers to file appropriate custody actions
- Reviewing evidence and preparing for testimony regarding parental abuse, abandonment, and neglect
- Documenting why reunification is not possible with the other parent or both parents
- Demonstrating why returning to the home country isn’t viable
- Demonstrating the child’s best interests lie in remaining in the United States
Immigration Process
Once state court orders are secured, we help children navigate the immigration process to obtain permanent residence.
Our youth-centered approach includes:
- Age-appropriate legal consultations
- Coordination with guardians and social workers
- Long-term immigration planning
Protection for Crime Victims
U Visa Protection
Immigrant crime victims who assist law enforcement deserve protection and support. Our U visa strategy includes:
- Working with local and state law enforcement to obtain required certifications
- Documenting the substantial physical or mental abuse suffered
- Demonstrating ongoing cooperation with authorities
We maintain relationships with nonprofit organizations and immigrant advocacy groups, particularly in the Carolinas and throughout the nation, to ensure clients receive necessary support services while pursuing protection.
T Visa Support
Human trafficking survivors face unique challenges in rebuilding their lives.
Our dedicated T visa practice provides:
- Trauma-informed representation that proceeds at the client’s pace
- Documentation of trafficking experiences when safe to share
- Evidence of cooperation with law enforcement investigations
- Comprehensive applications addressing all eligibility requirements
We work closely with anti-trafficking organizations across the country to ensure survivors receive needed support services while pursuing immigration protection.
Our Humanitarian Immigration Practice Reflects Our Commitment To Protecting Vulnerable Individuals While Helping Them Build Stable Futures In Their Communities. We Combine Legal Expertise With Deep Compassion, Ensuring Each Client Receives The Support Needed To Access Vital Immigration Protections.