Houston Asylum Lawyer
Asylum is a type of legal protection under U.S. immigration law granted to people who have fled their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. The U.S. offers asylum as a form of humanitarian relief, allowing eligible individuals to live and work in this country and eventually apply for permanent residency.
If you or someone you know needs to seek asylum, Maranto Law Firm can help. Our firm is backed by 17 years of experience in resolving U.S. immigration cases in Houston, Galveston, and across Southeast Texas.
Attorney Rafael Maranto is someone who has gone through the immigration process himself and thus understands the obstacles and challenges involved. He and his team are dedicated to helping individuals both here and abroad receive the help needed to overcome those obstacles. Their goal is to help you earn the right to remain in the U.S. and continue your immigration journey toward permanent status or even citizenship.
Arrange for a free case evaluation with our Houston asylum attorney. Contact Maranto Law Firm at (855) 961-0601. Hablamos español.
Basics of The Asylum Process
Pursuing asylum in the U.S. is often a challenging and intricate endeavor. At Maranto Law Firm, our dedicated team is here to assist individuals in navigating this complex process with both compassion and expertise. We recognize the difficulties and uncertainties inherent in seeking asylum, and we are steadfast in offering the support and guidance necessary at every stage of your journey.
Key aspects of the asylum process include:
- Evaluating eligibility for asylum
- Preparing and submitting the asylum application
- Attending interviews and hearings with immigration officials
- Navigating the legal requirements and documentation
- Understanding the rights and protections available to asylum seekers
Our seasoned Houston asylum attorneys are committed to championing your rights and assisting you in constructing a compelling asylum case. We pride ourselves on delivering individualized attention and robust legal representation, striving to secure the most favorable outcome for your asylum claim.
Requirements for Asylum
To be granted asylum in the U.S., you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Fear of persecution: Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate fear of persecution in their home country based on one of the five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
- Timely application: Applicants must apply for asylum within one year of their arrival in the U.S. unless they can show extraordinary circumstances or changed conditions that justify the delay.
- No bars to asylum: Certain factors, such as involvement in the persecution of others, the conviction of a serious crime, or posing a threat to national security, can disqualify an individual from obtaining asylum.
How Do You Seek Asylum?
To seek asylum for individuals who are in the U.S., you must submit a petition called Form-I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within one year of your arrival here. You must also provide supporting documents that demonstrate your eligibility for asylum.
Asylum may also be sought where it is applicable for those facing removal from the U.S. In those cases, an immigration judge will hear your case and determine whether you are eligible.
How Long Does the Asylum Application Process Take?
The timeline for the asylum application process can fluctuate greatly due to various factors. As seasoned Houston asylum lawyers, we recognize that this uncertainty can be particularly anxiety-inducing for applicants. Typically, the process kicks off with the filing of Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
After filing your application, you are typically required to attend a biometric services appointment within a few weeks. Following this appointment, you will receive a notice for your asylum interview, which usually occurs within 21 days for affirmative asylum applications. However, this timeline can be extended significantly due to backlogs at USCIS offices.
During the wait for your interview or hearing, it is essential to keep your documentation in order and maintain regular communication with your attorney. Our approach emphasizes personalized attention for each client, guiding you through the intricacies of the process and ensuring that your case is presented in the most compelling manner possible.
What Is the Difference Between Asylum & Refuge?
While both asylees and refugees are individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution or fear of persecution, the key difference lies in the application process and location:
- Asylees apply for asylum while they are already in the U.S. or at a port of entry.
- Refugees apply for protection while they are outside the U.S., usually through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or a U.S. embassy.
How Maranto Law Firm Can Help
An experienced immigration lawyer, such as Attorney Rafael Maranto, can provide valuable assistance during the asylum process. This assistance can include assessing your eligibility for asylum and identifying potential issues that may arise, helping you gather and prepare supporting documents, such as affidavits, expert opinions, and country condition reports, and drafting a comprehensive legal brief that presents a persuasive argument for asylum.
Attorney Maranto can also help you prepare for interviews or hearings with USCIS officers or immigration judges, including guidance on how to answer questions and effectively present your case. For those facing deportation, he will advocate for you during removal hearings to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
