legal

Human Rights Initiative is committed to providing high-quality legal services free of charge to those seeking asylum, relief under the Violence Against Women Act, Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act and child victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

Our volunteer attorneys practice every type of law.  Some are solo practitioners.  Some are partners at prestigious firms.  All share a passion for justice.  Working closely with HRI staff, a volunteer attorney assists the client in preparing his/her case and representing the client before federal officials, trial courts and appellate bodies. 

Applying for Asylum

Under most circumstances, a client must apply for asylum within one year of entrance into the United States. He or she must be unable or unwilling to return to his/her country of origin due to a legitimate fear of future persecution. A person who has fled his or her home and come to the United States is eligible for asylum if he or she can prove a well-founded fear of persecution based on one or more of the following grounds:

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

Apply for Relief as a Victim of Domestic Violence

An immigrant who has been the victim of physical and/or psychological abuse by a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident spouse may be eligible to file a petition based on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  The client must prove she is:

• married to an abusive U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident;
• a person of good moral character;
• in good faith marriage;
• lived with his/her spouse.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and need assistance, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Applying for Relief as an Immigrant Child

An immigrant child who has been the victim of:

• Neglect, abuse or abandonment may be eligible to receive Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
• A violent crime may be eligible to apply for a U visa. The U visa's purpose is to strengthen law enforcement agencies' ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes.  
• Physical and/or psychological abuse by a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident parent may be eligible to file a petition based on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

Requesting Assistance from HRI

To schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Legal Department, please fill out the contact form, or contact us at (214) 855-0520.

If you require assistance and do not live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, click the following link for a list of free legal service providers on the website of the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Clients qualify for free legal representation by demonstrating eligibility for relief and inability to pay legal fees.

The information contained on this website is not legal advice and should not be viewed as legal advice.  The information is meant as an overview of the services HRI provides.  However, it is not inclusive of all of the legal requirements.  For more information, please contact HRI to schedule an appointment about your specific case.