What is the difference between a “defensive” and an “affirmative” asylum application?

An asylum application can be either “defensive” or “affirmative” depending on the circumstances of the individual applying and their location in the United States. A defensive asylum application is submitted when a person is facing deportation proceedings and they are seeking protection from removal from the United States. In this case, the asylum-seeker must appear in a deportation hearing and face an Immigration Judge. If the applicant can demonstrate a fear of harm or persecution if they were to be sent back to their home country, then the Judge will decide whether or not the individual can remain in the United States. In contrast, an affirmative asylum application is submitted when a person is not facing deportation and they are still in the United States. In this case, the individual will file an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rather than appear before an Immigration Judge. After submitting the application, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview, during which they must prove their claim for asylum. If approved, the individual may remain in the US and eventually apply for permanent legal residency. In short, a defensive asylum application can only be filed in the midst of deportation proceedings, while an affirmative asylum application can be filed while still living in the United States and outside of the deportation process. Both types of asylum seekers must demonstrate a fear of persecution or harm in order to be approved for asylum. In South Carolina, asylum seekers should consult an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure that they follow the appropriate application process.

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La solicitud de asilo defensivo y la solicitud de asilo afirmativo son dos formas de solicitar asilo en Carolina del Sur. Una solicitud de asilo defensivo se presenta cuando el solicitante está bajo una audiencia de deportación. En la audiencia, el solicitante debe probar ante el tribunal de inmigración que es perseguido o teme ser perseguido en su país de origen por motivos de raza, religión, nacionalidad, grupo social o opiniones políticas. El tribunal luego determinará si el solicitante debe mantener el estatus de asilo. Por otro lado, una solicitud de asilo afirmativo es un proceso independiente de una audiencia de deportación. Esto significa que el solicitante envía una solicitud de asilo directamente a la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos. Si la solicitud es aprobada, el solicitante recibirá una citación para una entrevista con los oficiales del Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos. Tras la entrevista, el oficial decidirá si el solicitante debe recibir el estatus de asilo. Por lo tanto, la principal diferencia entre una solicitud de asilo defensivo y una solicitud de asilo afirmativo es el proceso de la solicitud. Los solicitantes de asilo defensivo deben presentar sus solicitudes durante una audiencia de deportación ante un tribunal de inmigración, mientras que los solicitantes de asilo afirmativo envían sus solicitudes directamente a la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos.

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