Chicago Asylum Lawyer
Fighting for the Legal Rights of Clients Seeking Asylum in the US
Sadly, we live in a time where many individuals are fleeing their home countries due to being severely persecuted. In other instances, the political climate of an asylum seeker places them in fear that they will face future persecution due to their nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, political opinion, gender, sexual orientation, or membership in a particular social group. In other instances, a different political opinion from the majority may be enough for someone to fear for their safety.
However, even though the US does grant asylum to those who qualify, immigration law is exceedingly complex and requires the help of a skilled immigration lawyer. For this reason, our law office is dedicated to helping immigrants seek asylum and the peace of mind they deserve.
If you want to learn more about seeking asylum in the US, contact Gilliam Law in Chicago, IL, and ask to schedule a free consultation so that we can review your case and determine what legal options are available.
How Does an Immigrant Apply for Asylum?
There are several specific steps that an individual must undergo to apply for asylum. One of the most crucial aspects is that the applicant must be physically present in the United States before filing an asylum application. In addition, the application must be filed within one year of the applicant’s arrival.
Applicants must file Form I-589, Application for Asylum, and for Withholding of Removal. The applicant must provide detailed information about the persecution they could face if forced to return to their home country. The applicant should have as much supporting documentation as possible for this portion of the application.
Form I-589 asks for considerable information regarding the applicant’s background. One of the most essential elements involves what type of persecution the individual feared or experienced. Other information that must be provided includes the individual’s family, work, and criminal history.
Finally, all individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. must complete an in-depth interview. These interviews take place at a U.S. Asylum office and are conducted by a trained Asylum Officer.
Although paper Form I-589 applications are available, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) strongly encourages applicants to file their forms online. Often, paper copies are rejected because forms are incomplete or filled out incorrectly. To avoid any time-consuming delays, it is always best to seek help from a knowledgeable immigration attorney who can assist you with the complicated paperwork.
What Would Disqualify an Immigrant From Obtaining Asylum?
Several infractions can bar an individual from being granted asylum. The officer who reviews the asylum case will take into account any offenses that would bar the applicant from being able to remain in the U.S.
Some of the offenses that may render an applicant ineligible to obtain asylum include:
- The applicant poses a security risk to the U.S.
- The applicant ordered, assisted, or participated in the persecution of another person or violated their human rights.
- The applicant has been convicted of a serious crime inside or outside the U.S.
- The applicant had successfully relocated to another country before arriving in the U.S.
Because extenuating circumstances may be involved, anyone concerned about being disqualified for asylum should hire an immigration attorney to thoroughly review the case before the applicant attends the interview.
If you are concerned that something in your background could prevent you from being granted asylum in the United States, contact Gilliam Law. Our highly skilled lawyer can determine the available legal strategies and how we can assist you.
Can I Obtain a Green Card if I Have Been Granted Asylum?
For individuals who have been granted asylum, their overall goal is to become a lawful permanent resident and obtain their green card. The USCIS allows those individuals with approved asylum status the opportunity to become permanent residents after one year.
Waiting one year after being granted asylum status is called “adjustment of status.”
However, the application that must be filled out to obtain an adjustment of status often takes significantly longer than one year for the USCIS to process. As a result, many individuals who have been granted asylum are anxious to obtain a green card and wish to apply for an adjustment of status before the year has been completed.
Furthermore, even though the USCIS recently updated its policies and determined that as long as the application is approved for an adjustment of status after one year has elapsed, the applicant may be eligible to obtain a green card.
However, applicants should be strongly advised that the USCIS is not legally obligated to approve the application for an adjustment of status even if all criteria have been satisfied.
If you still need clarification about the procedures surrounding obtaining a green card after being granted asylum, contact Gilliam Law, located in Chicago, IL, and ask to schedule a free consultation.
What Makes Your Immigration Lawyer the Best Choice to Handle My Legal Needs?
Suppose you are seeking protection from persecution in your home country. In that case, you may be eligible to obtain asylum in the U.S. Nevertheless, the road to obtaining asylum can be a long, drawn-out process and requires the help of a highly trained immigration lawyer.
At Gilliam Law, our legal team has comprehensive experience helping individuals in all aspects of immigration law and would be honored to assist you with your legal needs. Our staff is well-trained in government immigration policies and knows what it takes to get favorable client results.
We at Gilliam Law pride ourselves on being accessible to those who trust us with their legal needs. We understand that your time is valuable, so we utilize the latest technology to track cases without needing you to come to the office in person.
If you or your family members wish to seek asylum in the United States, you will need an immigration lawyer to defend your legal rights. Contact our Chicago, Illinois law office at 866-511-3422 and ask to schedule a free no-obligation consultation.
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