Orlando Asylum Lawyers

What is Asylum?

Asylum is a type of protective status that the United States offers to foreign nationals who are forced to leave their country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. The persecution must be due to political opinion, religion, nationality, or some other characteristic that is unchangeable, such as sexuality or race.

Below you will find general information about asylum that will help you determine if you are eligible to apply for it.

How do I know if I qualify for asylum?

To qualify for asylum, you need to establish a connection between the persecution you have suffered and your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Also, you must not be subject to any asylum bars.

What are the bars to receiving asylum?

Those who have assisted in the persecution of others, are a threat to the security of the United States, have previously applied for asylum and been denied, have committed serious non-political crimes outside of the U.S., or have traveled through a "safe third country" prior to arriving in the U.S. are barred from obtaining asylum.

Please note that you will also not be eligible if you apply after being on U.S. soil for more than one year unless you demonstrate that there were:

• Extraordinary circumstances forcing you to delay the application.
• Recent changes that affect your eligibility for asylum.

Can I Apply for Asylum Outside of the United States?

You can only apply for asylum if you are in the United States. This can be done upon your arrival at any port of entry in the country, or later, so long as you apply within one year of your arrival. If you need assistance with a possible asylum application, worry less!! Contact us and we will help you.

How to file for asylum in the United States?

All persons asking for asylum in the United States must follow these steps:

• Arrive in the United States. You must be physically present to apply.
• Apply for asylum by filling out Form I-589 at one of the ports of entry or within one year of your entry into the country if you are already inside U.S. territory.
• You will receive an ASC Appointment Notice to get your fingerprints taken. Be sure to take the notice with you on the date of your appointment.
• After the fingerprint and background check, you will receive an Interview Notice to appear at an asylum office or USCIS field office.
• An officer will interview you and examine your case. It is advisable that you retain an asylum attorney to prepare your application, prepare you for the interview, and accompany you to this interview. You may also bring an interpreter with you to the interview if necessary.
• You will usually be called back to the asylum office to receive the decision two weeks after the interview. If it is necessary to review your case for a longer period, you will receive the decision by mail.

Can I bring my family to the United States?

Yes, your spouse and any children under 21 years of age are eligible for derivative asylum status. You can ask to have them included in your asylum application if they are already in the U.S., or petition to bring them to the country later if your asylum is approved.

Our specialized Orlando Asylum Attorneys are ready to help!

If you are being persecuted or feel that you are at risk in your country because of any of the circumstances mentioned here, you can likely be granted asylum in the United States. Our team of attorneys, including Frank Symphorien-Saavdera who is certified as an expert in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Florida Bar, is ready to help you through the entire process. Call us today at 407-802-1717, or fill out the online form provided on this page and we will contact you shortly.