Germantown Asylum Attorneys

Attorneys Assisting With Affirmative or Defensive Asylum Applications in Germantown, MD

For many immigrants, resettling in the United States can be a life-saving step that will provide their families with safety and stability. People who flee their home countries due to threats of violence, political oppression, or other forms of persecution may arrive in the U.S. with limited resources. For these immigrants, understanding the legal protections that are available can help ensure that they will be able to build lives in a new country. An immigration attorney in Germantown, Maryland can provide the legal support and representation needed to guide asylum seekers through the process of obtaining protections.

The asylum laws in the United States offer protection to immigrants who meet specific criteria. However, the process of applying can be complex and time-sensitive. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our lawyers can help prepare a strong, well-documented case for asylum. This will not only help a person and their family remain in the United States lawfully, but it will also provide protections against the real dangers they may face if they were forced to return to their country of origin.

What Is Asylum, and Who Qualifies?

Asylum is a legal status that may be granted to people who are physically present in the United States and who fear returning to their home country because they have been persecuted or have a good reason to fear future persecution. To qualify for asylum, a person must show that they are at risk of persecution based on one or more protected grounds, including religion, nationality, race, political opinions, or membership in certain social groups.

Persecution may include physical violence, threats, imprisonment, torture, or other forms of serious harm. In some cases, persecution may be carried out by the government. In others, it may come from non-governmental actors, such as gangs or extremist groups, when the government is unwilling or unable to protect the person.

A key part of an asylum application is demonstrating "credible fear." This term refers to a reasonable belief that returning to one's home country would result in serious harm. This fear may be supported by facts, documents, and personal testimony.

How to Apply for Asylum

There are two primary ways to apply for asylum in the United States. An affirmative asylum application can be filed by someone who is already in the U.S. and who is not currently involved in deportation proceedings. A person will submit an Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (Form I-589). This application must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within one year of arriving in the country, although exceptions may apply in some cases.

After filing an application for asylum, the immigrant will meet with an asylum officer, who will evaluate the application and make a determination. If the application is not approved, the case may be referred to an immigration judge for further review.

If a person is already in removal proceedings, they may seek asylum as a defense against deportation. In these cases, the asylum application will be submitted to the immigration court as part of the removal proceedings. A hearing will be scheduled where the person and their attorney will present evidence and testimony in support of the asylum claim. An immigration judge will decide whether to grant asylum or proceed with removal. If asylum is denied, the decision may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

How Our Germantown Asylum Attorney Can Help

When applying for asylum, an immigrant will need to clearly demonstrate that they are eligible for protection under U.S. law. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our immigration lawyers can work with clients to make sure each step of the process is handled correctly. We can:

• Evaluate eligibility for asylum based on the circumstances and background of an immigrant and their family
• Prepare and file an application for asylum along with supporting documentation
• Gather evidence to support a credible fear of persecution, including medical records, country condition reports, and witness statements
• Help a person prepare for interviews or hearings
• Provide representation during asylum interviews or immigration court proceedings
• Take steps to ensure that a person's family members will be included in the asylum application
• File appeals following the denial of an asylum application or pursue other forms of relief

Benefits of Asylum

A successful asylum application will not only prevent deportation, but it can also open the door to a future in the United States. Asylees can obtain work authorization, allowing them to find emoployment in the U.S. so they can support themselves and their families. After asylum is granted, a person can apply for a Green Card after one year. They may be able to take steps to bring family members to the United States, and they will eventually qualify for citizenship.

Contact Our Germantown, Maryland Asylum Attorneys

For those who are afraid to return to their home countries because of the likelihood of persecution, asylum may be the best path for securing a safe future in the United States. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our attorneys can help immigrants understand their rights, and we can provide effective representation throughout the asylum process. Contact our Germantown asylum application lawyers by calling 571-441-2233 and setting up a consultation.