Asylum Lawyers
Asylum provides protection to people in the United States who have been persecuted or fear persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. You must generally apply within one year of arriving in the U.S. An asylum attorney can help you make a strong argument and navigate the complex process.
Common Situations
- Affirmative asylum applications (filed with USCIS)
- Defensive asylum (raised in removal proceedings)
- Withholding of removal claims
- Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection
- Asylum based on gender-based violence
- Asylum based on political persecution
What to Expect
- 1Detailed intake to document your persecution claim
- 2Collection of country condition evidence and supporting documents
- 3Preparation and filing of Form I-589
- 4Interview preparation (affirmative) or court hearing prep (defensive)
- 5Representation through decision and any appeals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the one-year filing deadline for asylum?
You must generally file for asylum within one year of your last arrival in the U.S. There are exceptions for changed circumstances or extraordinary circumstances that prevented timely filing. An attorney can evaluate whether an exception applies to you.
Can I work while my asylum claim is pending?
You can apply for work authorization 150 days after filing a complete asylum application, and USCIS must decide within 30 days after that. If granted, you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allowing you to work legally.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No two situations are the same — consult a qualified attorney for guidance on yours.
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