Why You Need Asylum Lawyers
Asylum is a humanitarian solution designed to protect individuals fleeing their home countries due to life-threatening situations. For those seeking refuge in the U.S., the asylum process is governed by complex immigration law, requiring asylum seekers to navigate a series of immigration proceedings and provide solid evidence to support their claims. This process can be overwhelming, but with the right legal services and immigration lawyer by your side, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
The U.S. asylum system involves strict procedures that must be followed carefully. Asylum applicants must undergo immigration court proceedings, where they present their cases to an immigration judge. The introduction of the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule in May 2023 has further complicated the system, adding additional requirements for some asylum seekers. For those unfamiliar with these legal intricacies, the process can be daunting, making the need for professional immigration attorneys essential.
At KC Immigration Lawyers, our immigration attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. We stay updated on the latest policies, including those set by the executive office and the federal trade commission, to provide immigration services that are both comprehensive and effective. We understand the importance of timely and accurate filings, including forms and filing fees, and we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your options.
Asylum seekers must demonstrate that returning to their home country is not a viable option, typically due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. This is where our accredited representatives and attorneys come in. We provide the legal help necessary to build a strong case, ensuring that all evidence is carefully compiled and presented in the best possible light. We are committed to delivering top-tier legal representation, guiding you through each step of the complex process with care and precision.
Applying for asylum can be done immediately upon arrival in the U.S. or after being placed in removal proceedings for entering or staying in the country illegally. In either scenario, the support of skilled immigration lawyers is crucial. They ensure that your rights are protected throughout the immigration review process and that you receive the legal access programs and resources needed to secure your immigration status. Whether you’re seeking a green card, citizenship, or just a chance at the American dream, our office is dedicated to providing the experienced immigration lawyers and legal services available.
Contact KC Immigration Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate this challenging journey and work on your behalf to achieve a favorable outcome in your immigration case.
How To Apply for Asylum in the U.S.
To apply for asylum, you must complete, sign, and submit the immigration Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal. You can file your application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the immigration court, depending on whether or not you are in removal proceedings.
You are also required to submit your application within one year of arriving in the U.S. unless you can show that extraordinary circumstances or changes in your situation were responsible for the delay.
Accurately completing your form is fundamental to resolving your case quickly and positively. If you have any concerns, our experienced lawyers can prepare the form on your behalf and help you present your information appropriately and without errors.
You may also apply for an Employment Authorization Document 150 days after you file your asylum application. You must wait an additional 30 days to become eligible for employment authorization. So it will be at least 180 days from the date you file for employment authorization before USCIS will begin processing your Employment Authorization Document application.
Supporting Documents for Asylum Applications
Your asylum application must be accompanied by certain documents that support your reason for seeking asylum. They include copies of the following:
- Your international passport or other travel documents
- Identification documents such as your driver’s license or birth certificate
- Documents that show the unsafe conditions in your country.
If you fail to attach the necessary documents to your form before filing, your application will be classified as incomplete. The immigration authorities will not process it until you do the needful.
What Is the Effect of the New Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule on Asylum Applications?
The Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule imposes certain restrictions on asylum seekers at the U.S. southern border.
Under the rule, individuals who arrive at the southern border point of entry are ineligible for asylum and will be placed in removal proceedings by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unless they have scheduled an immigration appointment using an online tool called the CBP One App.
The southern border is where individuals arriving from Mexico and other Latin American countries enter the U.S. most of the time. If you’re from such a country, there is a good chance that the asylum ban under the rule applies to you. In that case, you may only be able to apply for asylum if you use the CBP One App to set up an appointment before you arrive at the border unless any of the following applies to you:
- You were denied asylum in a country you traveled through before arriving in the U.S.
- You are an unaccompanied alien child traveling alone.
- Before your arrival, you had obtained prior travel documentation (also called parole) from the Department of Homeland Security.
It may be difficult to claim asylum due to the effects of this new rule. But that doesn’t mean your dreams of seeking safety in the U.S. must end. Other immigration pathways could help you enter the U.S. lawfully and perhaps permanently. We can assess your case and help you explore your options under those pathways.
What Happens When You Are Granted Asylum?
If granted asylum, you can legally remain in the United States. There are several benefits attached to your new status;
- You can apply to become a lawful permanent resident after a year.
- Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old may be allowed to join you in the U.S.
- You can work in the U.S. without an Employment Authorization Document.
Even though the asylum process could be overwhelming, these benefits make all the stress worthwhile.
What Happens if Your Asylum Application Is Denied?
If you are denied asylum, what follows next depends on whether your application was affirmative or defensive.
In either case, you may have several options, including the opportunity to file an appeal and plead your case before an immigration judge. It is your job to convince the judge that you deserve to be granted asylum by presenting them with compelling evidence and arguments that support your case.
Our attorneys can represent you during the process and help build a solid case that could convince the immigration judge to decide in your favor.
How Our Skilled Asylum Lawyers Can Help
At KC Immigration Lawyers, our goal is to help asylum seekers like you understand the asylum rules applicable to them and navigate the system successfully. To that end, we can support and represent you throughout the process in several ways, including the following:
- We can assess your situation and determine your eligibility for asylum or other legal immigration options.
- We can prepare your asylum forms on your behalf and help you organize your application so it meets the required standards.
- If you need to attend an asylum interview with the USCIS, we can help you prepare so you know what to expect before your interview date.
- Our deportation defense attorneys can fight to ensure you remain in the U.S. if placed in removal proceedings.
- If you’re denied asylum, we can represent you as you explore options for appeal before a higher authority.
Get Help With Your Case From the Reliable Asylum Attorneys at KC Immigration Lawyers
Asylum is a complex and overwhelming process. But if you succeed, it can yield immense benefits for you and your loved ones.
So, if you have questions or are facing challenges with the process, do not despair. Our competent asylum and Green Card Lawyers are prepared to guide and advocate for you until you reach your goals.
Contact us immediately and share your concerns. Let us assess your situation and find ways to help you move your application forward toward a successful outcome.
