Savannah Refugee & Asylum Lawyer
The United States offers a safe haven to individuals who have suffered persecution or fear violence in their home countries because of their politics or membership in certain religious or other groups. Asylum allows those with a credible fear of violence to stay in the United States without being deported. Refugee status allows someone currently outside the U.S. to come to this country and live in peace and safety.
The process for seeking either status is complicated. An experienced Savannah refugee & asylum lawyer is a big boost for your case, so contact Shirazi Immigration Law today to schedule an appointment.
Claiming Asylum
The U.S. grants asylum to someone who fears violence or retribution because of their:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political beliefs
- Membership in certain social groups
An asylum case begins by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal. You can file this at any time, even as a defense to a deportation order. An attorney can help gather the necessary evidence to show that they have a credible fear of violence based on your status. For example, you may belong to a minor political party which is being persecuted, and we can collect newspaper evidence or the testimony of political experts which detail the history and scope of the persecution.
To be approved, the asylum applicant must undergo an interview with a government or court representative., which can be a stressful experience, especially for those with a language barrier. Remember, approval is not automatic. About 2 out of 3 applicants are rejected.
There are many hurdles to receiving asylum. U.S. officials might have poor knowledge of the political situations back home, or they may disagree with your political opinions and not want you in the U.S. for that reason. Building a solid record to support an asylum application is critical.
Seeking Refugee Status
Someone who is currently outside the United States who fears violence or persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or group membership should seek permission to enter the U.S. as a refugee. Many of these people are also not in their home countries precisely because they fear violence. For this reason, they do not want to return home to seek consular processing, which is the normal way of obtaining a green card.
The process for those seeking refugee status is complex. It requires permission from the United States Refugee Admissions Program, which receives referrals from embassies and non-governmental organizations around the world. Ultimately, the individual will be screened by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Once granted refugee status, individuals can apply for a green card in a year, allowing them to live and work here indefinitely. They might also apply to become a naturalized citizen after four years.
An attorney can advise on the refugee process and represent an applicant who is denied entry at their hearing.
Our Refugee & Asylum Lawyers are Here to Help
For many individuals, receiving asylum or refugee status is the difference between life and death. To discuss your case with an experienced immigration attorney, please contact Shirazi Immigration Law today.
