Asylum
What is Asylum? Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who have fled their country or nation of origin and meet the international definition of a refugee. The right to Asylum is a universal right, and countries have an obligation to protect those who are fleeing persecution, war or violence in their home country. Our New York immigration asylum law firm has vast experience in representing those fleeing persecution in their native countries based on race, religion, membership in a social group, political opinion, or nationality. We have represented people from all over the world who faced persecution by the governments of their countries or by groups that their governments were unable or unwilling to stop. We will actively assist you during every step of your asylum case:
- Documents
- Trial preparation
- Obtaining expert reports and testimony
- Speaking with witnesses and family members to help them prepare statements or affidavits
- Preparing and submitting extensive legal memoranda and arguments in support of an application for immigration asylum
- Providing representation before the Immigration Court and on appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals and beyond
New York immigration asylum lawyers at The Law Office of Robert J. Maher, PC, are here to protect your immigration rights, and we want to help. Immigration policies, laws, and regulations change over time. These changes affect the rights of asylum seekers and immigrants. It is extremely important to stay informed of these changes because even seemingly small changes can have a dramatic impact on individuals seeking asylum or applying for an immigration benefit.
Asylum FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for asylum in the United States?
Individuals who fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the U.S.
Can I include my family in my asylum application?
Yes. If granted asylum, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for derivative asylum status and can later apply for green cards.
What is a family-sponsored immigration petition?
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain relatives (spouse, children, parents, and siblings) for a green card by filing Form I-130 with USCIS.
Can I change from a tourist visa to a family-based green card while in the U.S.?
In some cases, yes. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parents, and unmarried children under 21) can often adjust status from a visitor visa if they entered legally. The level of difficulty and likely success depends upon whether the family member is considered as n “immediate relative” und the Immigration and Nationality Act (“the INA). The facts of the case are also very specific. One generally adjusts through a qualifying family member, but the status of that family is important because whether adjustment is possible may depend upon whether the family member is a citizen or not. It is really important to discuss this with an experienced immigration attorney because of the complexity involved.
My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too.
Barack Obama
Initial Consultation
We can answer many of your immigration questions in an initial consultation either by phone or in person.
We will help you assess your situation, identify the immigration issues, and provide information you need to make an informed decision.
