Minneapolis Asylum and Refugee Status Lawyer

Asylum and Refugee Status Attorney in Minneapolis, MN

Being forced to leave your country due to fear of persecution and harm is an incredibly traumatic and overwhelming event, let alone when you have to navigate the legal issues that come with pursuing asylum afterwards. If you’re trying to gain asylum or refugee status, a Minneapolis asylum and refugee status lawyer from Santana Law, PLLC, can guide you through the confusing process and advocate for your ability to stay in the country.

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About Santana Law, PLLC

Santana Law, PLLC, is passionate about helping the people of Minneapolis, Edina, Bloomington, and communities throughout the Twin Cities area with their immigration cases. Founding attorney Ronnie Santana has years of experience working in both criminal and civil law. Before starting his own firm, Santana served as a prosecutor, gaining experience on the other side of the courtroom.

He is fluent in Spanish, and his legal accomplishments have earned him a Rising Star award from the legal institution Super Lawyers for multiple years. When you need help pursuing asylum or refugee status in Minneapolis, you can trust Ronnie Santana to advocate for you.

Overview of Asylum and Refugee Cases in Minneapolis

Obtaining asylum or refugee status can help you gain long-term, lawful residence in the United States. In 2024, 100,600 refugees were admitted into the country, and 54,350 individuals were granted asylum nationwide. During the previous year, Minnesota was home to 390 asylum seekers and 1,530 refugees.

Asylum seekers and refugees are terms that can be confusing to differentiate. A refugee is someone who wishes to come to the United States due to fear of persecution based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, social group, or political viewpoint. Those seeking refugee status must apply before entering the country. Refugees must apply for a green card one year after obtaining refugee status.

An asylee is a refugee who is either already in the country or is seeking entrance at an official port of entry. Asylum may be granted either in affirmative or defensive form. Affirmative asylum is granted to those physically in the United States wishing to formalize their legality. Defensive asylum is used in cases where individuals are actively facing deportation and are granted by immigration judges.

Minnesota asylum cases and hearings are typically processed at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, located on Federal Drive in Fort Snelling.

Meet Our Attorneys

Ronnie Santana

Managing Partner

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Ronnie Santana is a dedicated and dynamic attorney based in the Twin Cities, serving clients in criminal defense matters. With a robust legal background that spans prosecution, defense, and diverse civil litigation, Ronnie offers a unique and well-rounded perspective, ensuring...

John Ogden Arnold

Partner

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John Ogden Arnold is a bilingual immigration attorney with a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes across the full spectrum of immigration law. His practice spans family-based, humanitarian, and employment-based immigration matters, including I-130 petitions, adjustment of status, waivers,...

Evangeline Dhawan-Maloney

Partner

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Evangeline Dhawan-Maloney is an experienced and tenacious immigration attorney, who has dedicated her legal career to protecting the rights of immigrants. Evangeline has years of experience handling many types of immigration cases, including removal defense, asylum, family-based petitions, U and...

Why You Should Hire an Asylum and Refugee Status Lawyer in Minneapolis

Asylum applications can be confusing, even when you have a firm understanding of the law. In this trying time, you should hire an asylum and refugee status lawyer who can advocate for your rights and help you secure asylum or refugee status in Minneapolis. A few ways in which Santana Law, PLLC, can assist you include:

• Explain Your Rights and Options. Your lawyer can explain your rights and options regarding asylum or refugee status and advise you on which path is right for your situation.
• Help You Establish Fear of Return. Your attorney can aid in gathering evidence that demonstrates why you have a valid fear of returning to your country of origin.
• Represent You in Hearings. Court hearings can be stressful events, especially if English is not your first language. Ronnie Santana can present your case in various hearings and advocate for you in all court appearances.

Speak With a Minneapolis Asylum and Refugee Status Lawyer Today

Santana Law, PLLC, recognizes how stressful the process of applying for asylum or refugee status can be. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation, during which Ronnie Santana can learn your story, discuss which legal path is right for you, and help you move forward. You may also visit our Edina office, located on 77th Street.