Receive legal guidance from our trusted & experienced business attorneys.
Nassau County Asylum Lawyer
Are You a Refugee Facing Persecution in Your Country? We Can Help.
If you are a refugee to the United States and have either faced past persecution or will face future persecution in your country, there is a good probability that you may qualify for political asylum. Being granted asylum requires a large amount of evidence in your favor, and it is often a complex and difficult process. Navigate the process with help of an experienced immigration attorney in Nassau County to maximize your chances of success. If you are unable or unwilling to return to your home country based on events or circumstances there, we are ready to guide you through the asylum process and fight for the outcome you need.
Determining Asylum Eligibility
To apply for political asylum, you must show evidence of persecution or fear of persecution based on the grounds listed below.
Persecution based on:
- Race
- Religion
- National origin
- Membership in a certain social group
- Political opinion
How to Apply for Asylum
If you have arrived in the United States and want to apply for asylum, below are the steps you must take, however, the process of applying for asylum can vary, depending on the unique circumstances of your case.
- Complete and submit Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) within 1 year of arriving in the U.S.
- Complete the fingerprinting and background checks.
- Receive an interview notice for an appointment with an asylum officer.
- Complete the interview. An attorney or accredited representative may be present with you.
- The asylum officer determines your eligibility and a supervisory asylum officer will review the decision.
- Return after 2 weeks to the office where your interview was held to pick up the final decision. In situations where your application was delayed due to a pending security check or other reasons, the decision will be mailed to you.
Need help on your application or want an experienced attorney present during your interview? Call (516) 806-4070 or contact us online to speak with our asylum attorney in Nassau County. We have offices in Long Island and New York City, and our services are available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Applying for Political Asylum
It is possible to receive political asylum if you are already physically present in the U.S. or are arriving at a point of entry. If you are planning to apply for asylum after entering the U.S., it is critical to remember that you will only have 1 year from the date you arrived in the country to submit your application. Even if you have entered the U.S. illegally, you may still be eligible to apply for asylum.
There may be exceptions to this statute of limitations however, which can include extraordinary circumstances or that your circumstances have changed. If you find that you need to apply for asylum after the deadline, our immigration attorneys can help you argue your case.
What to Include in Your Asylum Application
To apply for asylum, you will need to submit an application and evidence to support your claims.
Your application packet will include:
- Immigration Form 1-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
- A detailed affidavit of your reasons for seeking asylum
- Evidence supporting your claims, such as media reports, police records, group membership documentation, and medical records
- Documentation to confirm your claims about your home country’s condition, such as international media reports and human rights organization reports
Applying During Entry to the U.S.
If you have a visa to allow you entry it is best to wait until after you have entered the U.S. to begin the asylum process. If you do not, however, you will need to apply at a point of entry. Inform the customs officials or border agents that you wish to apply for asylum and you fear persecution if you return to your home country.
From there you will be placed in a detention facility until you are sent to a “credible fear” hearing with a USCIS asylum officer. This should only take a day or two to schedule, and you will be given the chance to explain your fear of persecution. The officer cannot grant asylum, but they can determine if you have reasonable support for your claims and if you should see an immigration judge. If they decide against you, you will be deported, unless you ask to see an immigration judge.
If you are permitted to appear before an immigration judge, you can argue your case and convince them that you qualify for asylum. Your immigration lawyer can help you support your claims. If the judge determines you may have cause to believe you are in danger in your home country, you will be scheduled for an immigration hearing. If the judge determines that you are not eligible for asylum, you will be removed from the country without the opportunity to appeal your case.
Learn Your Eligibility During an Initial Case Review Today
If you are interested in applying for asylum, or would like to know if you are eligible, feel free to reach out to our immigration firm in Garden City. Our team can review your situation, discuss your options, and explore your next steps. We are compassionate towards your situation, and we always go the extra mile for our clients. We sever throughout Nassau County -- call us today!
Call (516) 806-4070 to learn how our legal team can help you during the application process! We serve clients in Long Island and New York City. Reach out to us today!
