People needing to flee their country due to persecution or fear of persecution may apply for asylum in the United States. This is a valuable and important humanitarian program offered to select individuals who qualify.
Who Qualifies?
In order to receive approval for your asylum application, you must prove that you have been persecuted or that you have a reasonable fear of being persecuted in your home country. This is a general and basic explanation of the requirements. More complex eligibility standards exist for receiving asylum in the United States.
The persecution must have been based on race, nationality, religion, political views, or social group. In addition, there is generally a requirement that the persecution or danger of persecution is severe, such as physically harmful. Your home country must also be unable to protect you from this harm or be the persecutor itself.
There are additional eligibility criteria and some factors that could exclude you from qualifying for asylum. Speak with an immigration lawyer to clarify if you meet the requirements.
How to Apply
The application process is complex, making a difficult situation even more challenging. The first step will depend on your specific circumstances, but often filing a Form I-589 is where many applicants need to start. When you complete this form, you will need to answer questions about your background and identity, as well as why you need asylum.
An interview will be scheduled through the USCIS, and you will be asked about your claims of persecution or fear of persecution. You may also be required to attend a court hearing in front of an immigration judge. Having an experienced immigration lawyer representing you can ease much of the stress and burden associated with this process.
If it is unsafe for you to return to your home country due to persecution, you will want to maximize your chances of having a favorable outcome in your asylum application. The Law Office of Jason A. Dennis offers free consultations and payment plans to ensure qualified legal counsel is available to those who need it. Call us today at (347) 868-6100.
