Asylum is protection granted to people who fear persecution in their home country because of their race, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applying for asylum is complex and can be difficult. Here are three essential tips to help your asylum application be successful.
1. Document your experiences and gather evidence to support your claim.
This can include written statements, medical records, photographs and any other proof of persecution or harm that you suffered in your home country. Strong evidence is crucial to the U.S. asylum process because the process is rigorous and many people apply. Immigration officers carefully review and scrutinize every case, so you must establish the reason for your claim with compelling evidence. If you can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution or that you have already been persecuted and meet the legal requirements, then you can get asylum.
2. File your asylum application within one year of your arrival to the United States.
There is a strict 1 year asylum application deadline and missing it can significantly harm your case. If you do miss the deadline, you may be able to show exceptional circumstances for the delay, but it is critical to file your application as soon as possible. An experienced immigration attorney can help you document the reasons why you missed the 1 year application deadline.
3. Prepare for your interview.
The asylum interview is pivotal to your case, so it is essential to be prepared. You will be interviewed by an asylum officer, and they will ask you detailed questions about your case. You will need to explain the reasons behind your fear of persecution and present your supporting evidence. Consult with an immigration attorney who can review your application and help you practice the common questions that are asked during an asylum interview. This will give you the best chance of being prepared for the interview and having a successful application.
Individuals seeking asylum are protected from being returned to their home country and may be authorized to:
Asylum recipients are also eligible to obtain certain benefits such as medical assistance, Refugee Medical Assistance and other government benefits and services if they meet the requirements.
After one year, an asylum recipient can apply for lawful permanent resident to get a green card.
When faced with challenging immigration problems, an experienced, knowledgeable, skilled legal attorney can help you achieve your American Dream. To increase the likelihood of getting asylum, it is crucial to obtain the assistance of an asylum lawyer who is ready and willing to fight for the protection you need.
To talk to an immigration lawyer, please contact our office at 630-345-4164.
AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers helps clients in all 50 states and has 5 offices in the Chicago, Illinois area.
