Asylum Status Aid

Get Experienced Legal Assistance in Seeking Asylum

The asylum laws of the United States provide an opportunity for individuals facing danger in their home countries to escape to safety. Asylum status is designed to protect persons suffering from injustice, harm, or a threat to their life.

However, not everyone qualifies for asylum. Contact International Law Group PA to learn more about our services for asylum seekers. We have over 17 years of experience in immigration law, and we're ready to help you or someone you know apply for asylum within the US. Call today to schedule an appointment. Sunday and emergency appointments are available.

An Overview of US Asylum Laws

Asylum status allows an individual to remain in the United States if that person is likely to face harm by remaining in their country of origin. Under asylum status, an individual is able to legally live and work in the US, travel outside of the country, and re-enter the borders. Under some circumstances, the individual can apply for Medicaid, food stamps, or other government assistance programs. After living in the US for one year under asylum status, an individual is able to apply for a green card.

To be eligible for asylum, an individual must be in the US or in a port of entry to the US. If someone is overseas, refugee status is required rather than asylum. Someone undergoing a removal proceeding may be able to apply for asylum.

Other eligibility requirements include the following:

• A person experiences or expects to experience persecution in their home country.
• A person's safety is threatened by the government or an uncontrolled group.
• A person fears persecution based on race, religion, political view, nationality, or social group.

Asylum seekers must file their application within a year of the last time they entered the US. Exceptions may apply, although they are limited. Removal proceedings may be initiated, forcing someone to return to their country of origin.

If you're applying for asylum, we'll help you understand the laws regarding working. You won't be granted asylum status until the government approves your application, and working during that period may cause you to lose your chance for asylum. You may be able to get a work permit 180 days after submitting your application, but it's important to check with our attorney before accepting employment.

Applying for Asylum

When you work with International Law Group PA on your asylum application, we'll keep you up to date on all the steps of the process.

• The initial application is filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), where it will be reviewed by the Asylum Office.
• There will be an interview with the Asylum Office. They will evaluate your application and determine if you are eligible for asylum. This process often takes a month or two.
• If your application is denied, it can be appealed in immigration court. This process involves a lawyer from the Department of Homeland Security and typically takes between six months and two years.
• If that appeal results in you being granted the status of an asylee, it can be appealed by the Department of Homeland Security.
• You may appeal that denial by going to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

As you can see, it's important to have legal representation by your side at every stage of the process to ensure that your rights are respected and that your chances of achieving asylum status are maximized. You will not be provided with an experienced attorney by the government. International Law Group PA will help you navigate these complex laws and processes.

We'll keep track of the "asylum clock." This is the timeline that begins with your application. It marks key moments in the process (such as being able to apply for a work permit at 180 days) and can be stopped or restarted by filing various paperwork and postponement requests.

You can rely on us to help you assemble the evidence necessary to argue your asylum case. You'll be asked to show proof that you are likely to experience harm in your native country, and we know what kinds of evidence the court accepts.

When you work with International Law Group PA, you can improve your chances for being granted asylum. Call today to schedule an appointment.