Laurel, Maryland Asylum Lawyer

Attorney Helping Immigrants Receive Asylum Protections in Laurel

For people who have fled violence, political unrest, or persecution in their home countries, immigrating to the United States may provide the opportunity to rebuild their lives while protecting their safety. When immigrants arrive in the country with legitimate fears about returning home due to threats based on their identities, beliefs, or experiences, they may apply for asylum. However, the asylum laws in the U.S. are complex, and a successful application will depend on presenting a compelling, well-documented case.

At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our immigration attorney can provide essential legal guidance in asylum cases, helping applicants understand their rights and prepare for each stage of the process. With our understanding of the emotional weight of these cases and the legal hurdles that may arise, we can provide strategic support, ensuring that an applicant will receive a fair hearing and the opportunity to remain in the United States.

How Our Laurel Immigration Attorney Can Assist With the Asylum Process

Immigrants who are applying for asylum may face significant challenges, including language barriers, the emotional trauma of being forced to leave their home countries, and concerns about the complex legal procedures that must be followed. Our lawyer can guide asylum applicants through every stage of their cases, from preparing and submitting asylum applications to representing them during interviews or immigration court hearings. We can help gather documentation and collect evidence such as reports about human rights abuses in the applicant's home country.

For those who are facing the threat of deportation, our attorney can request asylum as a form of relief and present the case before an immigration judge. Legal representation can be essential in these situations, since the stakes of these cases can be high. Our lawyer can also help asylees take steps to become lawful permanent residents and eventually become U.S. citizens.

Understanding Asylum Protections in the United States

Asylum is a protection that may be granted to people who are already in the United States or who arrive at a port of entry and who meet the definition of a refugee under U.S. law. According to Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a person may be granted asylum if they can demonstrate that they are unable or unwilling to return to their home country because they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution.

To qualify for asylum, the persecution a person may face must be based on specific grounds, including their race or nationality, their religious beliefs or practices, their political opinions or party membership, or their membership and participation in certain social groups. Persecution may include physical violence, threats, imprisonment, torture, or systemic discrimination.

Asylum will protect a person against deportation and provide them with the ability to live and work in the United States legally. It may also provide a path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, and it can offer protection to family members as well. Applicants must generally apply for asylum within one year after coming to the U.S., although there are exceptions in certain cases. Meeting this deadline is critical, and our attorney can help ensure that applications are filed within the proper time limits.

Affirmative Asylum Applications

An affirmative asylum application may be filed by someone who is not currently in removal proceedings and is submitting their claim proactively. Immigrants who have not been detained by immigration officials or who have not received a Notice to Appear in immigration court can file an Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. The process generally includes:

1. Filing Form I-589 within one year of arrival in the United States.
2. A biometrics appointment in which fingerprints will be taken, and background checks will be performed.
3. An interview with an asylum officer, where the applicant will tell their story and explain why they fear returning to their home country.
4. A decision issued by immigration officials. If the claim is approved, asylum will be granted. If the claim is denied, and the applicant does not have a lawful immigration status, the case may be referred to immigration court to determine whether the person will be removed from the United States.

Our attorney can help a person prepare for the asylum interview. We can also ensure that all necessary documents are submitted, including country condition reports, witness statements, and medical or psychological evaluations where appropriate.

Defensive Asylum

If a person is placed in deportation proceedings, they may apply for asylum defensively in immigration court. Defensive asylum may be requested as a defense against deportation, and the case will be heard before an immigration judge. In a defensive asylum case, our attorney will:

• Help the applicant file Form I-589 with the court if it has not already been filed.
• Prepare legal briefs and present evidence in support of the asylum claim.
• Cross-examine government witnesses and respond to opposing arguments.

Defensive asylum proceedings can be complex. Our lawyer will not only present the facts of the case, but he will also take steps to ensure that the applicant's rights are protected throughout the process.

Green Cards and the Path to Citizenship

A person who has been granted asylum may apply for a Green Card after one year. In addition to filing the application, a person may need to provide evidence that they still qualify for asylum and have complied with all applicable immigration laws. Our attorney can assist with filing applications and ensuring that all supporting documentation is provided.

Once a person becomes a lawful permanent resident, they may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after five years. They will need to demonstrate that they have maintained continuous residence in the United States during this time and have met physical presence requirements. They will also need to show that they have good moral character. After filing an application for naturalization, attending an interview, and passing English and civics tests, a person will take an Oath of Allegiance and become a U.S. citizen. Our attorney can assist with this process, helping applicants meet their legal requirements.

Contact Our Laurel, MD Asylum Attorney

Seeking asylum is an important step for immigrants who are at risk of harm. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our immigration attorney can assist with the asylum process, working to ensure that immigrants can receive the protections they need. Contact our Laurel asylum application lawyer at 571-441-2233 to arrange a consultation and begin your path toward safety and stability in the United States.