Filing an Application for Asylum

People come to the U.S. every year seeking protection from persecution in their home countries due to race, religion, political opinion, nationality or membership in a specific social group. Asylum grants these people the ability to live and work in the United States so they do not have to return to their homeland.

A person may file an application for asylum in one of two ways. The affirmative asylum process involves applying for asylum while one is already in the U.S., within one year or arrival. This is accomplished by submitting Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal to United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). The defensive asylum process involves seeking asylum as a defense against deportation or removal proceedings.

In either event, it is helpful to work with an attorney who can determine what course of action applies to your case. A legal professional can also advise you of whether you may be eligible. For example, maybe you have been in the U.S. for more than one year but circumstances at home have changed and now you may be at risk of persecution if you return. You may still be able to apply for asylum in this case, and your lawyer can help gather sufficient proof to help ensure your application is approved.

Contact an Orlando immigration attorney at our firm today to see if you may qualify for asylum and to find out how we can help you with this.