Asylum is a special legal status that allows qualifying individuals facing persecution in their home country to live in the United States. Seeking asylum can be challenging because of nuanced eligibility requirements and other complex steps necessary for approval.
A Jersey City asylum lawyer from The Law Office of Eric M. Mark could assist you or a loved one through this process. Our immigration attorneys could help you complete your application, take all necessary actions, and represent you in appearances before the Immigration Court.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office (USCIS) grants asylum status to individuals who face persecution in their home country because of one or more of the following issues:
Asylum seekers cannot be U.S. citizens and must already be physically present in the United States by the time they apply, including individuals seeking admission at a port of entry. An applicant’s spouse and minor children can also obtain asylum status.
Asylum status grants immigrants the ability to apply for employment authorization, a Social Security card, and a green card that enables them to maintain permanent residence in the United States. A Jersey City asylum attorney could help you evaluate how these eligibility requirements apply to your situation and explore other available immigration options.
The affirmative asylum process is the standard method for obtaining asylum in the United States. Assuming you are physically present in the country, the process begins with completing and filing a Form I-589 application within one year of your arrival in the United States. Our Jersey City asylum attorneys could help clients gather the necessary information to properly complete their application, including identification documents and an explanation of their need for asylum. Once submitted, USCIS will issue a notice of its receipt of your application and a request to appear at an Application Support Center for fingerprinting.
You will then participate in an interview with an asylum officer from USCIS who will review your application, ask necessary follow-up questions, and determine your eligibility. USCIS will issue a decision on your application after the interview. You can also pursue a claim for asylum if you are already in removal proceedings, known as defensive asylum.
The counsel of an experienced lawyer is critical in representing your interests before the asylum office or an Immigration Judge and explaining your need for protection from persecution. The vast majority of asylum applications are denied; the approval rate with an attorney is much higher.
Asylum is an important humanitarian protection the U.S. provides to individuals facing dangerous situations in their home country. Once granted, asylum status continues indefinitely unless the fear of persecution no longer exists or additional status issues arise. The compassionate Jersey City asylum lawyers at The Law Office of Eric M. Mark could provide you with support and confidence in your immigration case. Contact us today to schedule a free initial case review.
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