ASYLUM

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There are two ways to apply for asylum – affirmatively and defensively. Additionally, some individuals seeking the protection of the United States can apply for temporary protected status, or TPS.

Asylum applications are complex procedures, and applicants should retain an experienced immigration attorney.
Some of the ways that our attorneys and other staff members: can help:

  • We will work closely with applicants throughout the application process.
  • We will assist with every stage of the application process.
  • We will compile and summarize news articles, human rights reports, affidavits, statements, and other original documents to support the applicants’ claims.
  • Prior to the interview, an attorney will meet with applicants to prepare them for the interview questions.
  • We will be present at the interview to clarify legal issues for applicants and provide a legal summary for the interviewer.

The attorneys at Bromberg, Kohler Maya & Petre, PLLC have significant experience in representing clients seeking asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. We have represented asylum seekers in proceedings at all administrative levels, from the initial interview before the USCIS Asylum Office to the Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals. We have represented clients from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds. In addition, our office has experience with claims for asylum based on all five of the statutory grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, and membership in a particular social group. We have successfully articulated “particular social groups” so as to obtain protection for those fearing female genital mutilation and persecution due to sexual orientation.

What is asylum?

Asylum is a protective status that allows people who are in the United States to remain in the country legally because they would be at risk of serious harm if they had to return to their home country. Applicants who apply for asylum with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) apply affirmatively. Asylum applicants who have been placed in removal (deportation) proceedings by the government and apply for asylum in Immigration Court apply defensively.

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Who is eligible to apply?

A person is eligible for a discretionary grant of asylum if he or she has suffered past persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Persecution is defined broadly. It includes the infliction of harm or suffering by a government or persons a government is unwilling or unable to control. Serious violations of human rights amount to persecution. Persecution may also include severe economic deprivation that threatens an individual’s life or freedom. Cumulative incidents of threats, discrimination, or harassment may also rise to the level of persecution.

There are certain factors that make some people ineligible for asylum, such as conviction of a particularly serious crime. Also, in order to receive asylum an individual must file an application within one year of his or her last entry into the United States or show that the failure to file within one year was due to changed or extraordinary circumstances. However, someone who is barred from asylum due to a serious crime or a delay in filing may still be able to remain in the U.S. under other protective provisions such as Withholding of Removal under Section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture. Individuals who are in lawful nonimmigrant status, or who are without valid immigration status, but have not yet been put in removal (deportation) proceedings, may affirmatively apply for asylum.

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Benefits of Asylum Status
Employment Authorization Document

Asylees have unrestricted ability to accept employment in the United States. The ability is incident to status and does not require a separate application. However, many employers require additional proof of employment authorization, and most asylees obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) to show their eligibility to work and to serve as an identity document.

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Refugee Travel Document

Asylees may obtain a refugee travel document for international travel. They should not return to the country from which they sought asylum, nor should they use the passport of that country. Visiting that country or using its passport may result in asylum status termination. Refugee Travel Document applications should be filed at least six months prior to leaving the United States.

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Permanent Residence “Green Card” Eligibility

Asylees are eligible to adjust to permanent resident status after one year as an asylee. Many of the grounds of inadmissibility that apply to other adjustment applicants are waived for asylees.

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Ways to Apply for Asylum
The affirmative asylum process

The affirmative asylum process begins by submitting Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, a supporting statement, and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS service center. USCIS then issues a receipt and an interview is held at the local asylum office. At the interview the USCIS officer asks detailed questions about the applicant’s statements in an effort to assess their credibility. The officer will also review documents in support of the applicant’s testimony. It is extremely important that an applicant present all reasonably obtainable supporting documents, as failing to do so can result in denial of the application. Applicants who are not fluent in English should bring an interpreter to the interview.

USCIS may also issue a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) to applicants in lawful non-immigrant status whose applications are deemed insufficient. The notice indicates the application’s shortcomings and allows applicants an opportunity to respond. Satisfactory responses result in a grant of asylum status. Unsatisfactory responses result in an application denial, and applicants return to their prior status.

Applicants who are out of status and whose applications are deemed insufficient do not receive a NOID. Their applications are referred to the Immigration Court, and removal (deportation) proceedings are initiated against them. In removal proceedings applicants have the opportunity to present their claim for asylum or other relief during a full evidentiary hearing before an Immigration Judge.

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The defensive asylum process

An asylum-seeker begins the defensive asylum process one of three ways: (1) they are referred to the judge by an asylum officer at USCIS after applying affirmatively for asylum as described above; (2) they are placed in removal proceedings for immigration violations and subsequently apply for asylum; or (3) they enter the U.S. at a port-of-entry without proper documents and claim to have a credible fear of persecution or torture. In court, asylum applicants have the opportunity to present their claims during a full evidentiary hearing before the Immigration Judge. During the trial applicants may:

  • Testify to events and circumstances surrounding their claim;
  • Present witness testimony from individuals familiar with the facts and circumstances surrounding their claim to asylum;
  • Present expert witness testimony regarding complex issues in their case, such as country conditions, the willingness and ability of certain governments to protect individuals in the same circumstances as the applicant, and treatment of different races, ethnicities, or genders in the applicant’s country;
  • Present documentary evidence, including news articles, human rights reports, affidavits and other statements.

Removal proceedings are adversarial, and the U.S. government, represented by the Department of Homeland Security, is the opposing party. Applicants will be cross-examined on their testimony and documentation. The Immigration Judge can approve or deny applicants’ requests for asylum. If denied, applicants can file an appeal before the Board of Immigration Appeals.

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The content of this website is meant only to acquaint you with general information about immigration.This information is not legal advice and is not a substitute for having a consultation with an attorney. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.