Los Angeles Asylum Attorney

Individuals may qualify for asylum if, based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion,  individuals believe they are unable to return to their native country because they suffered persecution or possess reasonable fear of such future persecution. Such circumstances may permit an individual from another country to remain in the United States.   Many may confuse refugee status with asylum, however, the two are different, asylum seekers must be physically present in the United States in order to apply for asylum.

If the person is granted asylum by U.S. immigration officials, he or she officially becomes an “asylee.” Recognized asylees are able to petition for lawful permanent resident status—commonly known as a green card—after one year. After a four-year waiting period as a permanent resident, the individual can apply to become a U.S. Citizen. 

The Difference Between Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Television reports or news articles use the terms “refugees”  and  “asylum seekers” interchangeably.  United States immigration law, draws important distinctions between the two. Specifically, a refugee is a person seeking to escape persecution in his or her home nation yet has not entered the United States. He or she may apply for refugee status to be permitted legal entry. If the individual is already in the U.S., he or she may apply for asylum in order to remain with valid legal status. Both will be unable or unwilling to return home as a result of persecution, yet the differences will affect the necessary processes.

Los Angeles Lawyers Assisting Asylum Seekers

In most circumstances, a person seeking asylum must apply for asylee status within the first year of arrival in the U.S.  If you or a loved one is seeking asylum, the team at Path to Immigration can assist you with your petition. In your filing, you must provide specific details about:

• The type of persecution you would face upon returning home.
• Your reasons for fearing persecution.
• The parties or entities responsible for the persecution. Common examples of such entities include government or the military.
• The nature and extent of the harm you have suffered due to past persecution.
• The nature and extent of the harm you expect should you return home.

We know that thoughtful and thorough preparation is the key to success in an immigration case, and our lawyers will do everything we can to help you and your family obtain asylum in the United States.

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