Chattanooga Refugee & Asylum Lawyer
Tennessee Refugee & Asylum Lawyers in Chattanooga
Nobody should have to live in fear of being persecuted for their race or religion, or because they are a member of a targeted political party or group in the country where they have citizenship. Yet this type of persecution occurs with some frequency in various parts of the world, and those individuals who are targeted for their identities or beliefs may be able to seek refugee status or asylum in the United States. It is important to know that granting refugee status or asylum is not taken lightly, and proving your eligibility can be an extremely complicated process. An experienced Chattanooga refugee & asylum lawyer at our firm can provide you with more information and can represent you in your immigration case.
Learning More About Refugee Status & Asylum in Chattanooga
What is refugee status and what is asylum? According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), “refugee status or asylum may be granted to people who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationalist, and/or membership in a particular social group or political opinion.”
A person can be granted refugee status, which is a type of protection, if they meet the legal definition of a “refugee,” and if they are currently of “special humanitarian concern to the United States.” An asylee, or a person seeking asylum status, must also meet the definition of a refugee, and is someone who has already arrived into the United States or is seeking to be admitted to the United States at a port of entry, such as an airport or a border crossing.
Refugee Versus Asylum Status
What is the difference between refugee status and asylum status? The difference is mostly a procedural one and concerns where the person is at the time of seeking protected status in the United States.
A refugee is usually someone who is outside the United States at the time of seeking refugee status (in their home country or in another country other than the United States after having fled their home or being forced from their home). An asylee, or a person who asks for asylum in the United States, is someone who is seeking protection after arriving in the United States.
Both require the individual to meet the definition of “refugee” according to U.S. immigration law.
Seek Help from a Chattanooga Refugee & Asylum Lawyer Today
Our firm knows how difficult it can be to live in fear for your safety while trying to contend with the complexities of U.S. immigration law and the various requirements for seeking refugee status or asylum. An experienced Chattanooga immigration law attorney at our firm can speak with you today about your circumstances and can provide you with more information about your eligibility for refugee status or asylum.
We can assist you every step of the way, and we can also provide you with more information concerning refugee or asylum status and what it means for becoming a permanent resident or citizen of the United States. Contact a Chattanooga Refugee and Asylum Lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. to learn more about how we can help you with your case.
