What is Asylum?

Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution or fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. If granted asylum in the United States, you can stay in the country legally, apply for a work permit, and eventually seek permanent residency (a green card) and citizenship.

Who Qualifies for Asylum?

You may be eligible for asylum in the U.S. if you:
 -  Are physically present in the United States or arriving at a U.S. port of entry.
 - Have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country.
 - Are facing persecution due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
 - Have not been convicted of serious crimes or engaged in persecution of others.

Rights and Benefits of Asylum Seekers

 -  Live and work legally in the U.S.
 -  Apply for a Social Security Number.

After USCIS approved your asylum application, 
 -  Petition for certain family members to join you.
 - Apply for a green card after 1 year.
 - Be eligible for U.S. citizenship after 5 years as a green card holder.

Types of Asylum Applications

There are two main ways to apply for asylum in the United States:

1. Affirmative Asylum Process

This process is for individuals who are not in removal (deportation) proceedings.

  • File Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Attend a biometric (fingerprinting) appointment.
  • Attend an interview with a USCIS asylum officer.
  • Wait for a decision on your case.

2. Defensive Asylum Process

This process is for individuals who are in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

  • File Form I-589 as part of your defense against deportation.
  • Present your case in immigration court before a judge.
  • If denied, you may appeal the decision.

Asylum Process Timeline

 - File Form I-589 – Must be submitted within one year of arriving in the U.S. (unless exceptions apply).

 - Biometrics Appointment – USCIS will schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

 - Work Authorization (Employment Authorization Document - EAD)

  • You may apply for a work permit by filing Form I-765 if your asylum application has been pending for at least 150 days.
  • USCIS can issue the work permit after 180 days of a pending asylum case, allowing you to work legally in the U.S.

 - Interview with USCIS (Affirmative Cases Only) – Typically scheduled within 1 - 5 years.

 - Immigration Court Hearings (Defensive Cases Only) – If you are in removal proceedings, you will present your case in front of a judge.

 - Decision on Your Case – Approval grants asylum status, while a denial may lead to further legal options or appeals.

 - Apply for a Green Card – After one year of being granted asylum, you can apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) using Form I-485.

How We Can Help

Our immigration experts provide:
 - Step-by-step guidance on filing Form I-589.
 - Assistance in preparing strong supporting evidence for your case.
 - Legal support for asylum interviews or court hearings.
 - Help with work permit and green card applications.

📞 Contact us today for a consultation and start your asylum application with confidence!