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Get the view from the other side of the desk.
I love helping people get certainty about their future.
If you're afraid of being harmed in your home country, and you're not clear on how you'll manage to stay in America, you're probably anxious. Uncertainty leads to stress. The prospect of losing the life you built - or dream of building - in the United States can be overwhelming. It can tear families apart. And for some, having to return to their country can be a matter of life or death.
It's hard.
But you may have options.
I would love to help you.
Some people in this situation qualify for political asylum. Helping them get it is my mission. It's my calling. My passion.
I use the insights and skills I gained while working as an Asylum Officer with the Department of Homeland Security to help people secure their future in America through asylum.
During my 11 years working for the government's two main agencies for asylum and refugee affairs, I interviewed thousands of people applying for immigration benefits.
I saw what works, and what doesn't.
I was trained in asylum law in a way that few other immigration lawyers have been. I developed a sense as an Asylum Officer for how to present a case in a way that gives the Officer what they need to approve the application.
I'm honored to bring this inside perspective to bear in helping my clients get asylum.
It's an advantage that those I help appreciate. It's one I would be glad to tell you more about if you think asylum might be a good fit for you.
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Why work with our asylum lawyers:
- FOUNDED BY FORMER DHS ASYLUM OFFICER
- OWNER HAS DECIDED THOUSANDS OF IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS
- TEAM IS LED BY FORMER U.S. DIPLOMAT
- PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING CLIENTS ACHIEVE IMMIGRATION GOALS
- COMMITTED TO COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH CLIENTS
Meet Our Asylum Professionals
Brian Manning
Owner, Founder, Asylum Lawyer
Brian founded Political Asylum Lawyers after spending 11 years working for the government's two main agencies for asylum and refugee matters: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State. He has served as an asylum officer and diplomat with the government, and is proud to now lead the Political Asylum Lawyers firm in providing top-notch representation to asylum seekers all over the United States.
Brian speaks Spanish fluently, and has previously studied and spoken, to varying degrees of fluency, Russian, Croatian and Bulgarian. Brian holds a law degree from the University of Minnesota and an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University. He is originally from Oklahoma, and now lives in Texas with his wife and two children.
Laure holds the position of Managing Attorney at Political Asylum Lawyers, where she oversees an exceptional team of attorneys and paralegals, and provides legal representation to clients from across all states. From the courts of France to the legal circles of Houston, Laure's professional journey is a testament to her diverse expertise and adaptability. She started working in France in 1998 as an in-house counsel, handling complex contract negotiations for global tech companies. She then pivoted careers and worked as a judge, hearing a broad range of matters, from civil, to criminal and family.
Upon moving to the United States in 2015, Laure worked as a consultant on international family law matters.
Laure Dachelet
Managing Attorney
Laure holds the position of Managing Attorney at Political Asylum Lawyers, where she oversees an exceptional team of attorneys and paralegals, and provides legal representation to clients from across all states. From the courts of France to the legal circles of Houston, Laure's professional journey is a testament to her diverse expertise and adaptability. She started working in France in 1998 as an in-house counsel, handling complex contract negotiations for global tech companies. She then pivoted careers and worked as a judge, hearing a broad range of matters, from civil, to criminal and family.
Upon moving to the United States in 2015, Laure worked as a consultant on international family law matters.
After passing the California bar, and since joining the firm in 2021, her heart and skills have been devoted to representing asylum seekers before USCIS and in immigration court, ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve.
Laure is an alumnus of the elite Ecole Nationale de la Magistrature in France, where she qualified as both a judge and a prosecutor. Before that, she obtained law degrees from the Université Paris 2 Panthéon Assas and the Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense. With fluency in French, English, and Spanish, Laure ensures a culturally sensitive approach to her cases. Outside of work, Laure enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and traveling.
Brian Jacobi
Director of Appeals
Brian serves as the Director of Appeals, a position in which he manages all aspects of our appeals practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal appellate courts. He also leads our mandamus claims in federal district courts around the country.
Prior to joining Political Asylum Lawyers, Brian worked for judges at the trial and appellate levels of the United States federal court system. Brian first served as a law clerk for the Honorable Kathleen Cardone in the Western District of Texas, before working for the Honorable James E. Graves, Jr., at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In both positions, Brian developed a deep understanding of the federal court system in America.
Brian also brings a range of international experience to Political Asylum Lawyers. While practicing at King & Spalding, a global law firm, he represented some of the largest companies in the world in complex commercial and investment arbitration cases worldwide. He has also worked as a human rights monitor for the United Nations, litigated complex civil rights cases with the Texas Civil Rights Project, and spent two years as a law professor at the University of Clermont-Auvergne in France.
Guy is an associate attorney who helps prospective clients navigate the tricky world of political asylum law. He has more than ten years of experience as an attorney and holds a law degree from Columbia University. Prior to joining Political Asylum Lawyers, Guy worked as a public defender in both state and federal court, first in New York and then in New Mexico. He helped thousands of people who were charged with a wide array of crimes, including immigration offenses.
Guy Wolfe
Attorney
Guy is an associate attorney who helps prospective clients navigate the tricky world of political asylum law. He has more than ten years of experience as an attorney and holds a law degree from Columbia University. Prior to joining Political Asylum Lawyers, Guy worked as a public defender in both state and federal court, first in New York and then in New Mexico. He helped thousands of people who were charged with a wide array of crimes, including immigration offenses.
Guy is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. When he is not working, Guy enjoys spending time with his wife Jhulie and their twin daughters.
Anuj Teotia
Attorney
Anuj is an attorney at Political Asylum Lawyers, providing comprehensive legal representation to asylum seekers nationwide. As an asylee and former client of the firm, Anuj understands the challenges immigrants face, driving his commitment to assisting others in similar situations.
With a diverse background spanning technology and law, Anuj offers a unique perspective. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from North Dakota State University. He then worked in the self-driving car industry.
Following his time in tech, Anuj pursued legal education, graduating with honors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. During law school, Anuj served on the editorial board of The UA Little Rock Law Review and gained valuable experience through externships with Associate Justice Courtney Rae Hudson of the Arkansas Supreme Court and Judge Kristine G. Baker of the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Before joining Political Asylum Lawyers, Anuj practiced employment law. He is fluent in Hindi and English. Based in Central Arkansas, Anuj remains dedicated to his work while finding time to pursue his passions for hiking, skiing, and traveling.
Eduardo Manuel Flores is a South Texas native with years of experience working within the fields of immigration and human rights law. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas Pan-American with a B.A. in philosophy in 2013. In 2016, Eduardo obtained his J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
While completing his studies, Eduardo had the opportunity to assist two Honduran sisters who entered the United States as unaccompanied minors to prepare their asylum applications. This experience sparked his passion for asylum law. Prior to graduating, he also participated in other public interest legal clinics, was a staff editor on the International Law Journal, worked as a teacher’s assistant, and spent time interning with MALDEF’s policy team and BattlegroundTexas’s Voter Protection department.
Eduardo Flores
Attorney
Eduardo Manuel Flores is a South Texas native with years of experience working within the fields of immigration and human rights law. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas Pan-American with a B.A. in philosophy in 2013. In 2016, Eduardo obtained his J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
While completing his studies, Eduardo had the opportunity to assist two Honduran sisters who entered the United States as unaccompanied minors to prepare their asylum applications. This experience sparked his passion for asylum law. Prior to graduating, he also participated in other public interest legal clinics, was a staff editor on the International Law Journal, worked as a teacher’s assistant, and spent time interning with MALDEF’s policy team and BattlegroundTexas’s Voter Protection department.
Eduardo has a diverse background within the field of immigration law. His experience working with victims of human trafficking and sexual and domestic violence and unaccompanied minors has allowed him to develop a client centered and trauma informed approach to all of his cases.
These experiences have also allowed him to cultivate a keen understanding of humanitarian based immigration law, as well as some areas of family based immigration law. Most recently, Eduardo spent the last five years prior to joining Political Asylum Lawyers focused on providing removal defense and affirmative asylum representation before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the asylum office. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
Laura Eslava
Chief Strategy Officer
Laura serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Political Asylum Lawyers. With a background in business administration, she understands the nuances of strategy and business operations. Her primary role is to devise and implement strategies that simplify the application process for our clients and staff. She also oversees the intake and client care departments.
With over six years in the immigration sector, Laura’s dedication is deeply rooted in her own immigration journey. She genuinely relates to those navigating the complexities of establishing a life in the United States.
Laura works with the firm belief that every client deserves a streamlined and seamless immigration experience, and she dedicates herself daily to achieving this goal.
Isabela, originally from the picturesque landscapes of Wales, studied to be a pharmacist in Medellin, Colombia. Her true calling lies in making a tangible difference in the world. Since April 2022, she has channeled her passion for aiding others into a pivotal role as a Paralegal with Political Asylum Lawyers. In this capacity, she dedicates herself to assisting immigrants in securing a hopeful and safe future in the United States.
Isabela Barahona
Paralegal
Isabela, originally from the picturesque landscapes of Wales, studied to be a pharmacist in Medellin, Colombia. Her true calling lies in making a tangible difference in the world. Since April 2022, she has channeled her passion for aiding others into a pivotal role as a Paralegal with Political Asylum Lawyers. In this capacity, she dedicates herself to assisting immigrants in securing a hopeful and safe future in the United States.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Isabela has plans to learn additional languages to connect with even more people. In her free time, Isabela's heart extends to the world of animals, showcasing her love and compassion in every facet of her life.
Daniela Sánchez
Intake Coordinator
Daniela is the Intake Coordinator at Political Asylum Lawyers. She brings 15 years of experience to her role, having worked in customer service both as an agent and later as a supervisor. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and is currently learning French.
Daniela graduated with a degree in psychology in September 2022, aligning with her passion for assisting others. Her commitment extends beyond academics; she spent a year volunteering with Prison Fellowship International, an NGO that promotes restorative justice.
Daniela lives in Bogotá, Colombia, with her partner and children. She joined Political Asylum Lawyers in November 2022 and feels a profound sense of purpose in her role. By aiding immigrants in securing their future in the United States through asylum, she continues to nurture her empathetic nature. With every interaction, she aims to reassure our stakeholders that they have the best team by their side in seeking asylum.
Laura is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers, bringing her passion for supporting immigrants to every aspect of her work. Hailing from the vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia, Laura was born into a culturally diverse environment, molded by her origins from abroad, helping her appreciate different backgrounds. She pursued her legal education at Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia, where her commitment to aiding immigrants began through volunteer work with Rotary International.
Laura Moog
Paralegal
Laura is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers, bringing her passion for supporting immigrants to every aspect of her work. Hailing from the vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia, Laura was born into a culturally diverse environment, molded by her origins from abroad, helping her appreciate different backgrounds. She pursued her legal education at Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia, where her commitment to aiding immigrants began through volunteer work with Rotary International.
Laura's journey made her interested in United States immigration law, and her curiosity in this area was strengthened during her time at her previous position. In December of 2022, she found her professional home at Political Asylum Lawyers, a role where her devotion to ensuring the security and well-being of her clients shines. With fluency in Spanish, English, and French, and conversational German, Laura builds connections based on understanding and empathy.
Javier Cardenas
Creative Director
Javier is the Creative Director at Political Asylum Lawyers, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s content creation. His yearning to deliver value and contribute to just causes motivates him to produce informative and engaging content that advances the law firm’s mission of helping immigrants secure their future in the United States through asylum.
Beyond his creative work, Javier is passionate about nature, environmental care, and sustainability, as well as the joy of discovering new culinary experiences. His versatile experience includes roles in the Peruvian government and local advertising agencies, and he previously excelled as an international freelancer. A graduate in Audiovisual Communication and Interactive Media from the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas in Peru, Javier further deepened his passion by specializing in post-production, thus refining his art and skills.
María Basante is a Client Experience Specialist at Political Asylum Lawyers, with over six years of experience in customer experience, processes improvement and adult learning and customer service. Her background in leading virtual teams enhances her ability to provide exceptional client support. María is Venezuelan and has always been passionate about language education and bridging communication barriers for clients worldwide.
Maria Basante
Client Experience Specialist
María Basante is a Client Experience Specialist at Political Asylum Lawyers, with over six years of experience in customer experience, processes improvement and adult learning and customer service. Her background in leading virtual teams enhances her ability to provide exceptional client support. María is Venezuelan and has always been passionate about language education and bridging communication barriers for clients worldwide.
Fluent in English and Spanish, María also speaks Italian and Portuguese and loves to further expand her ability in business intelligence. In her spare time, she enjoys learning about educational technology and innovative teaching methods.
Naomi Chavez
Paralegal
Naomi is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers. She brings more than four years of experience in the legal field, which has fostered her analytical ability to address complex legal matters. Originally from Lima, Peru, Naomi’s fervor for upholding human rights through international law led her to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she has been residing since 2019. She is currently studying the specialization in international public law at the prestigious University of Buenos Aires.
Naomi is fluent in both English and Spanish, and she is actively honing her proficiency in Portuguese and French, expanding her ability to assist migrants worldwide in their pursuit of political asylum in the United States.
Valentina is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers. Born in the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia, Valentina earned her law degree from Universidad del Norte. She is Fluent in both English and Spanish, and has a solid grasp of French.
Valentina Jimenez
Paralegal
Valentina is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers. Born in the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia, Valentina earned her law degree from Universidad del Norte. She is Fluent in both English and Spanish, and has a solid grasp of French.
Valentina's passion for travel has nurtured her adaptability in multicultural settings. Her legal education and hands-on experience in supporting legal teams underscores her commitment to upholding justice.
Carmen Aranda
Paralegal
Carmen is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers, where she focuses on affirmative asylum cases and mandamus claims. Leveraging her background in international relations and her experience as an account manager, Carmen brings a blend of analytical skills and cultural sensitivity to her role.
Carmen began her journey in U.S. immigration law through volunteer work at VECINA, a U.S.-based NGO. As a translator for the ReUnite project, she assisted families of unaccompanied minors in detention, guiding them through the complex reunification process. This experience inspired her to pursue a career supporting immigrants seeking safety and better opportunities.
While living in the United States, Carmen formed meaningful friendships with asylum applicants, which deepened her commitment to this work. Fluent in Spanish and English, with an intermediate understanding of French, Carmen provides empathetic and professional support to the firm’s clients.
María is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers, with a robust academic and professional background in international and human rights law. Her foundational legal education began at Universidad de Cartagena, in Colombia, where she completed her law degree, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and international legal frameworks. She earned a master’s degree in international law from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where she specialized in international public law, following her specialization in human rights and international humanitarian law from Universidad Externado de Colombia. She is fluent in English and Spanish, with basic knowledge of French.
Maria Posso
Paralegal
María is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers, with a robust academic and professional background in international and human rights law. Her foundational legal education began at Universidad de Cartagena, in Colombia, where she completed her law degree, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and international legal frameworks. She earned a master’s degree in international law from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where she specialized in international public law, following her specialization in human rights and international humanitarian law from Universidad Externado de Colombia. She is fluent in English and Spanish, with basic knowledge of French.
María has built a diverse career spanning various sectors of the legal field. She worked as a public servant, assisted migrants working as Legal Advisor with an NGO, managed personal injury cases in a personal injury law firm and was an intern at the Organization of American States.
Outside of work, María cherishes family time, enjoys exploring new destinations, and going to concerts. She also enjoys cooking, watching movies, reading, and spending time with friends and her dog, Bowie.
Natalia Lara
Consultations Specialist
Natalia is a Consultations Specialist with Political Asylum Lawyers. As a professional, she is motivated by co-creating extraordinary things. Inspired by the challenges in our ever-changing global landscape, she uses her skills and experience to bring stories to life, connect and engage with interesting individuals from all walks of life who share her personal mission to turn everything they touch into something of higher value for themselves and the people around them.
Her diverse background, ranging from work in Logistics, Pharma to the Health & Wellness Industries and Executive Coaching, that helped her become a truly flexible professional. She is a big proponent of work-life integration. Living on four continents for the past 13 years and being fluent in three languages has allowed her to engage intensively with a range of business areas, discover multiple cultures and build a strong international network. She has had the opportunity to test her boundaries, explore her strengths and develop a unique set of skills.
Her other passions, Natural Movement, Women’s Health, and Yoga have taught her things that she brings to work every day: curiosity, adaptability, discipline, a beginner's mind and JOY!
Francesca is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers. Since 2019, she has been working with populations in need of international protection. Coming from a family of Italian migrants, she focused her studies at Universidad del Rosario on cross-border human mobility and contributed to the clinic dedicated to this subject. There, she assisted refugees and engaged in high-impact litigation on their behalf.
Francesca Dominguez
Paralegal
Francesca is a paralegal at Political Asylum Lawyers. Since 2019, she has been working with populations in need of international protection. Coming from a family of Italian migrants, she focused her studies at Universidad del Rosario on cross-border human mobility and contributed to the clinic dedicated to this subject. There, she assisted refugees and engaged in high-impact litigation on their behalf.
Upon graduating with a degree in law, Francesca continued her work in fields related to international law and immigration law. Her fieldwork has enabled her to develop an intersectional perspective and psychosocial sensitivity. Additionally, Francesca was a United Nations fellow in issues related to religion and human rights, where she gained expertise in interfaith dialogue and discrimination prevention. Francesca’s current goal is to advance her career in the legal space specializing in international law and human rights. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian.
Daniel Bernal
Client Experience Specialist
Daniel is a Client Experience Specialist at Political Asylum Lawyers. He has a background in marketing, and brings experience working with clients worldwide, enhancing his ability to deliver outstanding support to the firm’s clients.
Daniel is originally from Bogota, Colombia, and speaks fluent English and Spanish, with a keen interest in developing Portuguese language skills. He is passionate about Formula 1 racing and NBA basketball.
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Political Asylum Lawyers | 1923 Washington Ave., Ste. 2233, Houston, TX 77007 | (713) 909-0401
