Asylum is a fantastic way for individuals who must escape persecution to find safety here in the United States, and if you’re someone who finds yourself in this situation, you should speak with an experienced Jersey City asylum lawyer from the Lightman Law Firm today. Contact us to learn more about asylum in the U.S. and how we can help.
Jersey City Asylum Lawyer | Here to Help Asylum Seekers
To qualify for asylum here in the United States, you are required to prove that you either have suffered persecution in your home country or you have a reasonable fear of persecution should you return to your home country because of your religion, race, nationality, membership in a social group, or your political opinion. This is why it is always best to move forward with an experienced Jersey City asylum lawyer on your side.
Applying for Asylum
The application process for asylum is a long and arduous one, which is why it is always best if you do so with a skilled Jersey City asylum lawyer. If you have not been detained and are simply looking to apply for asylum, you will do so “affirmatively” before USCIS. However, if you are facing removal proceedings or have been detained, you may apply for asylum defensively to prevent your removal as well.
You will file a Form I-589, wherein you will have to include information about you, your family, your reason for applying for asylum, and more. Once you file, you will have your fingerprints taken and attend an interview with an officer from USCIS. Here, you and your attorney will state your case and argue why you should be accepted into the United States based on asylum. If the officer grants you asylum, you will receive a letter to return to the Asylum Office and be officially granted an asylee.
You should note, however, that these officers do have a right to reject your request for asylum, in which case your case will most likely go to the Immigration Court. The Immigration Court will determine whether you should be granted asylee status or removed from the country. You need an attorney who can effectively represent your interests at this time. Our firm is here to help. If you are granted asylum, you can then file a Form I-730 and apply for certain family members to also be granted asylum.
Green Card Eligibility
Typically, individuals are eligible to receive a green card one year after they are granted asylum. Once you have a green card, you will be granted permanent residency. It is always best to apply for a green card with the assistance of a seasoned attorney who can ensure you fill out all forms completely and accurately. If you fail to do so, it may delay, or even terminate, your eligibility to become a permanent resident. Once you receive your green card, you may eventually even apply to become a United States citizen.
Contact a Jersey City Asylum Lawyer
The bottom line is that if you are someone who believes you may qualify for asylum, or you believe that you may be eligible for a green card after qualifying for asylum, you shouldn’t proceed without an experienced Jersey City asylum lawyer on your side. Our firm is here to represent you and guide you through each step of the process ahead. Contact Lightman Law Firm today to schedule your initial consultation.