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Asylum

Under Persecution in Your Home Country? Asylum Might Be the Answer

If you or a loved one has undergone persecution or threats in your home country – or if you fear persecution if you would return – the United States government allows you to apply for asylum in the U.S. no matter what your immigration status, provided you meet certain criteria. The persecution must stem from your nationality, ethnicity, political opinions, religion, or your membership in a persecuted social group. Additionally, you will need to provide a sworn statement that explains why you left your home country and the reasons that you are afraid to return there. It’s a scary position to be in – and that’s why our immigration attorneys will stay by your side throughout the process, doing all we can to keep you safe from the situation in your home country that brought you to the U.S. in the first place. Don’t wait. Book your appointment with one of our compassionate immigration lawyers today.

Affirmative Asylum Proceedings

Foreign citizens who are physically present in the U.S. or those who seek entry at a U.S. port of entry have the right to file an Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal form with the USCIS. There is a time limit, however, so it’s a good idea to start the process immediately. Unless you can claim that your circumstances have changed, you need to file the form (I-589) within one year of your last entry into the U.S. If you are dealing with extraordinary circumstances, you need to talk to one of our experienced immigration attorneys so that your petition will be more likely to succeed, even if you are outside the one-year window. Since asylum applications are currently backlogged, you can request a two-year authorization to work in the U.S. after you’ve filed your asylum application. Don’t go it alone when it comes to asylum. The USCIS scrutinizes asylum applications thoroughly, so having a lawyer who can help you make your case is essential. Get in touch with our legal team today.
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Defensive Asylum Proceedings

If the USCIS has already initiated proceedings against you, you can still file an I-589 application. The proceeding differs a bit from the affirmative asylum process. In a defensive asylum process, the USCIS will schedule you for a hearing in front of an immigration judge. The judge will listen to your testimony and that of your witnesses and look at the evidence you have presented. Additionally, the judge will ask you questions concerning your experience of persecution and your fear of returning home. Usually, the judge will make a decision at the end of your hearing. If the judge approves your application, you can apply for a green card after a year of continuous physical presence in the U.S. Needless to say, it is critical that you have an expert immigration attorney by your side to make sure that you present a compelling case. If you’re already in immigration court, it’s not too late. Contact one of our immigration lawyers today.