Political asylum is a type of protection offered to those who are persecuted or fear persecution in their native land because of their political beliefs, religion, race, nationality, or political affiliation. If you are a refugee in your home country and feel threatened, you may be wondering if you are eligible for political asylum in the United States.

Here, we will go over the basics of the political asylum procedure in the United States and the steps you should take if you think you qualify.

Asylum Eligibility

To be awarded asylum, asylum applicants must meet specific qualifications. These conditions include demonstrating that they cannot return to their native country due to persecution fears and that they meet the criteria for refugee status.

You must meet some requirements to qualify for political asylum in the United States. According to U.S. law, the definition of a refugee indicates you’ve been persecuted or at risk of being persecuted because of your race, religion, nationality, social group, or political beliefs. You must apply for asylum within a year of your arrival in the United States (unless special circumstances apply).

Political Asylum Application Process

If you may be eligible for political asylum, the next step is to submit Form I-589, the Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, to the USCIS. The form is available for download on the USCIS website. You’re allowed to stay in the U.S. while awaiting a final decision on your application. USCIS will decide on your case after all required information has been submitted. You will be given refugee status if your application is approved; if it is refused, you may appeal the judgment or seek other types of relief.

How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help You in Obtaining Political Asylum

An immigration lawyer can help you in a variety of ways, including:

Assessing your Case. An immigration lawyer will examine your case to see if you fit the requirements for political asylum. This involves looking into your history to see if you have a legitimate fear of persecution or danger if you return to your country.
Help Preparing and Submitting Your Application. Your application will be prepared and filed on your behalf by an immigration attorney. This involves gathering the required documents and verifying that your application is correct.
Representing You in Court. If your application is refused, an immigration attorney will represent you in court and argue in your favor.
Providing Counsel and Support. Throughout the procedure, an immigration attorney provides counseling and support, which can be very helpful during this difficult time. They can also address any concerns or questions regarding the procedure.

Tourzani & Long, LLC Can Help You

If you consider filing for political asylum, call the experienced immigration attorneys at Tourzani & Long, LLC for advice and help. We can assist you with the political asylum application process and answer any questions you may have. To speak with us, call (201) 987-0036.

Tourzani & Long, LLC – we proudly service New Jersey and New York.