Asylum protects people who have suffered persecution — or who fear they will be persecuted — in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. If this describes you or someone you love, you may have a path to safety in the United States.

Two Paths: Affirmative and Defensive

Affirmative asylum cases are filed with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum office by people who are not already in removal proceedings. Defensive asylum is requested before an immigration judge by people who are already facing removal. The strategy, evidence, and risks differ significantly between the two — and choosing correctly matters from day one.

The One-Year Deadline

Asylum generally must be applied for within one year of your last arrival in the United States. Exceptions exist, but they are narrow. If you are approaching — or past — the deadline, speak with an attorney immediately.

Related Protection

Some clients who do not qualify for asylum may still qualify for withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). We evaluate every form of relief available, not just the most obvious one.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

Bring your passport, any immigration documents you have received, and anything that documents what happened to you — police reports, medical records, news articles, threats, or witness statements. Do not worry if your documents are incomplete; we will tell you what else is needed.

Asylum cases are time-sensitive. Book a consultation today.