Asylum FAQ

Q. I’m afraid to go back to my country because the government or another group will harm me, what can I do?

• A. If you have been harmed because of who you are or what you believe you may be able to apply for Asylum
  Asylum is a way by which a person who has been persecuted, or fears persecution in their own country can live and work in the U.S. and sometimes qualifies that persons immediate family to do so also.
  If you have been arrested without charge, tortured, beaten, or sexually assaulted for example and or you fear persecution because of at least one of the following grounds, you may be eligible for asylum:
  
  Race, Ethnicity, Religious belief, Political Belief, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Membership in a Particular Social Group, like your Family or Tribe.

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Q. Can I get asylum if I was persecuted because for being something I am not?

• A. YES: If your government or organizations in your country have persecuted you because they wrongly believed you to be something you are not or believe in something you do not that persecution still qualifies you for asylum provided you meet some other grounds.

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Q. Is there a time limit for filing for Asylum?

• A. Yes: There is usually a one year time limit beginning when the asylum applicant comes to the United States. If you have been here for longer than a year and believe that you may be eligible for asylum there are ways around the one year time limit.

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Q: What is the difference between asylum and refugee status?

• A: Asylum allows those who are already in the United States to remain in the United States as long as they are not barred from applying for asylum for any reason. Asylum ultimately allows a person to adjust his or her status to be a lawful permanent resident. Asylum status can be obtained affirmatively if the person submits an application to the USCIS within a year of arrival in the United States, or as a defensive procedure after removal or deportation proceedings have begun.
  Refugees, however, are those who are not yet inside the United States but also cannot return to their home countries for fear of persecution. Aliens arriving at U.S. borders can also apply for status as a refugee at that time.

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First Step: Be Informed

With an asylum claim time is often very important. You should waste no time in finding out if you have a claim because if you wait you may loose any claim you may have.

Goldstein & Associates have a great deal of experience in winning asylum cases and have developed great skill and sensitivity when it comes to getting to the heart of an asylum claim. We understand that the things that happened are deeply emotional and painful. We will work with you to bring those issues to light in a way that protects your privacy and presents the best case possible before the asylum adjudicator.

The Asylum process can be complicated and there is a lot more involved than what is written above. As with most immigration matters it is important to speak with experienced Immigration attorneys who can guide you and give you the best possible chance of success.

Call 866-716-5682 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.