Asylum Representation
Providing strategic asylum representation for individuals seeking protection before all Immigration Courts and USCIS.
Defensive Asylum Representation in Immigration Court
Representation for individuals seeking asylum as a defense to removal before the Immigration Court, including case preparation, filing appropriate motions with the court, evidence development, client preparation, and advocacy at individual hearings.
Affirmative Asylum Representation Before USCIS
Representation for individuals applying affirmatively for asylum before USCIS, including preparation of the asylum application, supporting evidence, client preparation, and representation at the asylum interview.
Defensive Asylum Services
Akela's practice includes defensive asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
Form I-589: Initial Court Representation
Master-Calendar Hearings
Master-calendar hearings address pleadings, scheduling, applications for relief, and other preliminary matters. The firm helps clients understand their obligations, preserve available relief, meet filing deadlines, and prepare the case for the next stage of proceedings.
Representation at the initial stage of a defensive asylum case includes:
- Reviewing the Notice to Appear
- Assessing eligibility for asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture protection
- Preparing or supplementing Form I-589 and reviewing the personal statement
- Developing the case strategy and considering other forms of relief
Form I-589: Individual Hearing Preparation and Representation
Individual-Calendar Hearings
The individual hearing, also known as a merits hearing, is the final trial stage of a defensive asylum case. The Immigration Judge considers testimony, documentary evidence, legal arguments, and witness testimony before deciding whether the applicant will be granted asylum, withholding of removal, CAT protection, or other available relief.
Preparation and Representation
- Preparing clients for testimony in direct examination and cross-examination before the court
- Updating and filing supporting evidence
- Preparing legal arguments and witness materials when appropriate
- Addressing credibility and legal issues
- Representation at the individual hearings
Related Removal-Defense Matters
Asylum cases in Immigration Court can involve related matters, including bond hearings, motions to reopen or reconsider, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and other Immigration Court representation.
Learn more about Removal Defense & LitigationAkela's Approach
- Litigation-focused preparation
- Individualized strategy
- Clear client communication
- Client-focused advocacy
- Personal perspective on the immigration process
Getting Started
Schedule a Consultation
Reach out to set up a time to talk with the firm about your situation.
Discuss Your Situation
Share the details of your case so it can be reviewed carefully and thoughtfully.
Understand Your Next Steps
Leave with a clear picture of the options and next steps available to you.
Discuss Your Asylum Matter
Reach out to discuss your asylum matter and understand your options.