Philadelphia Asylum Lawyer
The United States offers protection to individuals who fear persecution in their homeland by offering them asylum. Unlike a refugee, who is outside the country, a person seeking asylum is currently present in the United States. Some individuals are in deportation proceedings, while others have only just arrived on our shores. Either way, asylum is often a matter of life and death.
The U.S. government grants asylum on a case-by-case basis. If you are seeking protection, please contact Ellenberg Law Group today. One of our Philadelphia asylum lawyers can meet to review your situation and, if hired, immediately begin building your case.
Are You Seeking Asylum?
When a person receives asylum, they can legally stay in the United States and work. After one year, they can also apply for a green card, which will make them a legal permanent resident if granted. Because so many people are trying to live in the U.S., only certain individuals will qualify for asylum.
Essentially, you must fear persecution or future persecution in your country of origin. Many people receive asylum because of oppression or persecution based on their:
- Political opinion or affiliation
- Religious affiliation
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Nationality
After World War Two, the U.S. offered asylum to many political dissidents from communist countries. But today, anyone can qualify for asylum if they can show that credible fear of future persecution if they are returned to their country of origin.
The asylum process is difficult. Not everyone who requests asylum receives it. Instead, you will need to convince the government that oppression or persecution awaits you if you are returned. Evidence usually begins with detailed testimony about your experiences in your home country. This can include any violence you experienced or watched similar individuals suffer. For example, members of your social group might have suffered attacks or imprisonment for no legitimate reason.
As experienced attorneys, we usually supplement your testimony with as much evidence as we can find, such as newspaper stories about the current political system. We might also rely on expert witnesses who understand the social conflicts which lead to persecution. If someone similarly situated received asylum, that fact can help as well.
Many people seek asylum defensively, meaning they are in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. If you are successful, you can avoid deportation and remain in the U.S. However, you might also seek affirmative asylum without being put in removal proceedings first. Regardless of how you are seeking asylum, you still have the burden of showing credible fear of persecution.
Tell Us Your Story
We can help you prepare for an interview with a government official or your hearing before an immigration judge. So much is riding on this decision, you must be fully prepared. An official will make a judgment call as to whether you credibly fear persecution. This official might lack any knowledge of your home country and its political and social conflicts.
Contact Ellenberg Law Group today. Our Philadelphia asylum attorney can walk you through the process and help complete the application process.
