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

In Vermont, the difference between a “defensive” and an “affirmative” asylum application lies in the purpose of the application and the applicant’s legal status. A defensive asylum application is a type of immigration relief sought in order to avoid removal from the United States. It is filed in immigration court after the applicant has received a notice to appear for removal proceedings. An affirmative asylum application, on the other hand, is a type of immigration relief sought by an applicant who is not in proceedings or threatened with removal. An affirmative asylum application is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). With defensive applications, removal proceedings are already underway and must be suspended or terminated for the applicant to be granted asylum. With affirmative applications, the applicant must prove eligibility for asylum before USCIS. The application process includes submitting a completed application, evidence demonstrating persecution, declarations from witnesses, and an in-person interview with an asylum officer. Affirmative and defensive asylum applications both require proof of the applicant’s inability or unwillingness to return to their home country because of persecution or fear of persecution. However, defensive applications are considered to be more difficult to prove since the applicant is already in removal proceedings. An applicant who is granted asylum will be granted legal status in the United States.

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La diferencia entre una aplicación de asilo "defensiva" y una "afirmativa" se basa en el momento en el que se presenta cada una. Una solicitud de asilo "defensiva" se presenta en respuesta a una solicitud de deportación mientras que una aplicación "afirmativa" se presenta por iniciativa propia. En el estado de Vermont, las solicitudes de asilo "defensivo" se realizan ante el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE). Los solicitantes deben presentar pruebas de que su vida o integridad está en peligro si regresan a su país de origen. Por otro lado, las solicitudes de asilo "afirmativo" se presentan directamente con la Oficina de Ciudadanía y Servicios de Inmigración (USCIS), sin tener que responder a una solicitud de deportación. Aquí, los solicitantes tendrán que demostrar que su vida o integridad está en peligro si se quedan en su país de origen. Por lo tanto, la principal diferencia entre las dos solicitudes de asilo radica en el momento en que se presentan y en qué agencia se presentan.

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