Glendale, AZ Asylum Lawyer

For many immigrants, being granted asylum in the United States can change the entire course of their life. In many countries around the world, innocent people are subjected to retaliation from the government due to their race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, political ideology, and more. If you identify with this and feel there is a real threat to your life waiting for you in your home country, you may be eligible to apply for asylum status in the U.S. However, the process of getting approved is very involved, and each step must be handled thoroughly. Working with an experienced immigration attorney helps you avoid making detrimental mistakes that could threaten your goals. 

At Ortega Law Firm, we have helped hundreds of clients with their immigration needs. Our lead attorney, Isaac Ortega, is well-practiced in immigration law and the inner-workings of the USCIS. He can answer any questions you have and give you an honest assessment of your case based on your current circumstances. Call our Glendale asylum lawyer to schedule your free consultation and get your case reviewed today. 

What Is Asylum?

Contrary to popular belief, asylum is not the same thing as being a refugee. While refugees are individuals who flee their homeland due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters or war, those seeking asylum have chosen to leave due to a fear of persecution. Refugees must apply to enter the U.S. from outside the country.

Asylum-seekers can apply at U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints, such as those in airports and seaports, if they are not already inside the country. However, if you have already entered the country and are planning to claim asylum, you must do so within one year of the date you entered.

What Kind Of Protection Does Asylum Offer?

If you are granted asylum, you will be protected from being removed from the United States and returned to your home country. After one year, you may apply for a green card; after four years, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship. With asylum status, you will also be able to work and apply for a Social Security card, as well as other government programs such as Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance. You are permitted to request overseas travel and to petition to bring family members to the U.S. 

How Does One Obtain Asylum?

There are three ways in which a person may apply for and obtain asylum in the United States: through the affirmative process, the defensive process, or the expedited process. 

An individual who is not in removal proceedings and applies for asylum is doing so affirmatively. An individual who is in removal proceedings and applies for asylum is doing so defensively. Finally, an individual taken into custody within 14 days of entering the country and placed into “expedited removal” proceedings may claim asylum and have their claim reviewed before entering formal removal proceedings in the expedited asylum process. 

If you are not in removal proceedings, our Glendale asylum lawyer can assist you in the application process, which consists of filing Form I-589, providing several types of accompanying documents, and composing a detailed personal statement that explains the reason you left your home country, the potential risks you face in returning, and any past experiences that validate your claims. He can review your application in its entirety and ensure there are no errors or missing information. 

If you are in removal proceedings, he can represent you in Immigration Court by listening to your story and building the strongest case possible. If asylum is not a viable option for you, he may be able to petition for alternative protections on your behalf. 

Call Our Dedicated Glendale Asylum Lawyer And Get Peace Of Mind Today

No matter your circumstance, our firm is ready to step in and support you. No one should live in constant fear for their life because of their identity. We can put you in the best position to secure life-altering protection in the form of asylum. Call Ortega Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn more.