Seeking Asylum in the United States
New York asylum lawyers helping to create a path to safety and protection.
Have you been forced to flee your home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution? At Cohen Immigration Law Group, our experienced asylum lawyers understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to helping you seek safety and protection in the United States. Retired Judge Cohen, who presided over numerous asylum cases during her tenure as an immigration judge and ICE attorney, leads our team. Call us today for expert advice and guidance on your asylum application.
What is Asylum?
Asylum is a form of humanitarian relief granted to individuals who have been persecuted or fear persecution in their home country based on:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership in a
- particular social group
If you are granted asylum, you will be allowed to remain in the United States, work legally, and eventually apply for a green card and U.S. citizenship.
Who is Eligible for Asylum?
To be eligible for asylum, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be physically present in the United States or seeking entry at a port of entry.
- You must have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country. This means you have a reasonable fear of being harmed or persecuted if you return.
- The persecution you fear must be based on one of the five protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
The Asylum Process
The asylum process can be complex and lengthy. It generally involves the following steps:
Filing an Application:
You must file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Attending an Interview:
You will be interviewed by an asylum officer who will assess your eligibility for asylum.
Receiving a Decision:
The asylum officer will either grant or deny your asylum application.
Immigration Court (if applicable):
If your application is denied, you may have the opportunity to appeal the decision in immigration court.
Challenges and Considerations in Asylum Cases
One-Year Filing Deadline: Generally, you must apply for asylum within one year of your arrival in the United States.
Burden of Proof: You have the burden of proving that you meet the eligibility requirements for asylum.
Credibility: Your testimony is crucial to your case. The asylum officer or immigration judge must find you credible to grant you asylum.
Evidence: You should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim, including documents, testimony from witnesses, and expert opinions.
How Cohen Immigration Law Group Can Help
Our experienced asylum lawyers can provide invaluable assistance throughout the asylum process:
Assessing your eligibility: We carefully review your case to determine if you meet the requirements for asylum.
Preparing your application: We help you complete Form I-589 and gather all necessary supporting documentation.
Preparing you for your interview: We conduct mock interviews and provide guidance on how to present your case effectively.
Representing you in immigration court: If your application is denied, we will represent you in immigration court and appeal the decision.
Contact Cohen Immigration Law Group Today
Seeking asylum can be a daunting process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Cohen Immigration Law Group today for a consultation with our experienced asylum lawyers. We can help you understand your rights, navigate the complexities of the asylum process, and seek the protection you deserve.