Relief from Removal: Asylum, Withholding, CAT, Cancellation,
At Kennedy Law, we represent persons at every stage of the removal process—from detention & bond hearings to motions to reopen and deportation defense in immigration court. Our singular focus is to present every possible avenue of relief & build a record that allows you to remain in the U.S.
Comprehensive Relief & Creative Defense Strategies for YOU
Strategic Relief in Removal Proceedings
We seek release from detention, identify every viable form of relief, and build factual records to support a full defense. Kennedy Law is known for submitting detailed, persuasive briefs and supporting evidence that withstand DHS scrutiny and provide clear, compelling arguments for Immigration Judges.
Our filings are responsive, detail-oriented, and crafted to present the strongest possible case.
Kennedy Law has a strong record of success in both affirmative asylum cases before USCIS and defensive claims in Immigration Court. We represent clients across a broad range of backgrounds and offer culturally competent, trauma-informed legal advocacy.
RELIEF FROM REMOVAL - WhAT WE PURSUE
Our clients are often survivors of violence, family breadwinners, essential workers, or adults with established families and strong community ties. We believe no one should be separated from their family or future because of a rushed or incomplete defense.
At Kennedy Law, we thoroughly review each client’s immigration and personal history to identify every possible form of relief, including:
- Asylum for those who fear persecution in their home country
- Withholding of Removal for those who meet the higher legal burden but are barred from or denied asylum
- Protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) for those at risk of torture by public officials or with government acquiescence
- Cancellation of Removal (for lawful permanent residents and non-permanent residents, with differing eligibility criteria)
- Motions to Reopen or Reconsider so that the Immigration Judge can consider new facts or evidence in the case based on changed circumstances, new evidence, approved petitions, VAWA eligibility, or legal error — including lack of notice of the removal hearing
- Adjustment of Status based on marriage or other qualifying relationships
- VAWA or SIJS Petitions for survivors of abuse or neglected minors
- Prosecutorial Discretion and Deferred Action
- Bond and Custody Hearings to seek release from immigration detention
- Stays of Removal and Emergency Filings for individuals at imminent risk of deportation
We are committed to exploring every viable path and presenting the strongest possible case on your behalf—while preserving key issues for appeal when necessary. We take special care to challenge improper charges of removability, develop comprehensive country condition reports, and craft persuasive legal arguments, especially in complex or discretionary cases.
Whether your case is just beginning or you need to reopen a removal order, Kennedy Law provides experienced, strategic, and responsive representation. We serve both detained and non-detained individuals and work closely with families to ensure strong documentation and consistent support at every stage.
NOTEWORTHY & IMPACTFUL ACCOMPLISHMENTS iN REMOVAL CASES
- Pioneered Legal Strategy Challenging Misue of the Material Support of Terrorism Bar in Asylum Cases In response to harsh new interpretations of the “material support to terrorism” bar—especially after Trump designated Central American gangs were designated terrorist organizations—Attorney Kennedy developed a novel four-part argument to shield extortion victims from unjust denial of asylum. Despite restrictive BIA precedent forbidding a duress exception, this strategy preserved eligibility for clients forced to pay gangs under threat. As a result, none of Kennedy Law’s asylum clients were denied protection on this basis. At Kennedy Law, we don’t just follow legal developments—we shape them to defend our clients’ rights.
- Developed In-House Asylum Testimony Guide — “How to Testify in an Asylum Case,”—to help Kennedy Law clients effectively deliver strong and credible testimony throughout their immigration process.
- Secured Judicial Marriage License for Immigration Detainee — Successfully obtained a rare judicial order mandating issuance of a marital license for a client in ICE custody, overcoming bureaucratic barriers and safeguarding adjustment of status eligibility.
- Blocked DHS Case Dismissals to Preserve Due Process — Successfully opposed Department of Homeland Security efforts to prematurely dismiss removal cases, ensuring clients retained access to vital immigration court protections—including the right to request a bond hearing.
- Reopened and Rescinded Prior Removal Orders — Obtained favorable rulings to reopen and vacate removal orders, restoring clients’ eligibility for relief and preventing imminent deportation. These victories are especially critical for clients.
Guidance on Asylum Testimony — Innovative, Client-Centered Storytelling Preparation
To gain asylum in the United States, a noncitizen like Ms. S.G. must show she is part of a listed protected category — race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a PSG — or that other people around her think she belongs to one of these protected groups. The immigration court or asylum officer then assesses whether the harm the noncitizen suffered, or fears, is “on account of” her protected group membership, and assesses a number of other factors.
If an asylum applicant claims membership in a PSG, she must prove that her PSG meets three criteria. Since 2014, the BIA has defined a PSG as a group of people who share a common characteristic they cannot, or should not, have to change (an immutable trait). The group must have defined boundaries (particularity), and others in the same society must view the group as set apart from the rest of the population (social distinction). This three-part test is supposed to distinguish between social groups that are like race, religion, nationality, and political opinion, and social groups that are unlike asylum law’s other protected groups.
We guide our clients through every stage of asylum preparation with respect, clarity, and care, utilizing specialized, trauma-informed techniques that help organize memories, highlight key events, and maintain confidence throughout the process. Our approach is designed to empower even the most stressed or traumatized individuals to share their stories effectively and with dignity.
Our guidance includes:
- Presenting your story clearly, truthfully, and with supporting details
- Describing suffered and feared harm
- Explaining police inaction or government failure to protect
- Preparing for what to expect in court or at USCIS interviews
- Framing your story and structuring memories effectively for clarity and listener reception
- Addressing inconsistencies or missing documentation
- Connecting your testimony with supporting evidence and country conditions
You don’t have to tell your story alone. We work closely with you to build a strong, honest case that reflects your experience and meets the legal standards for asylum.
Our Commitment
We are committed to doing everything possible to help you remain in the United States legally. Our work includes:
- Dedicating time to truly understand your situation
- Researching creative and often-overlooked options for relief
- Preparing detailed, customized declarations and testimony
- Drafting persuasive, well-supported legal briefs and motions
- Staying current with changes in law and policy
- Following through with appeals when necessary
We never give up easily. Kennedy Law goes the extra mile for clients who have exhausted other options. We have a strong track record of filing powerful motions to reopen, crafting compelling declarations, and taking on challenging asylum and withholding cases — including those involving threats from gangs, cartels, or corrupt officials.