Tuscaloosa Asylum Lawyer

For some residents who immigrated to the United States, returning to their home country could be a dangerous or life-threatening ordeal. Federal law provides non-U.S. citizens the opportunity to remain here and to avoid persecution in their home country. This system is known as asylum.

The process of filing an asylum request can be confusing and a positive outcome is not always guaranteed. The guidance of a dedicated immigration attorney could simplify the process and improve the chances of success. Given the stakes, it may be helpful to discuss your case with an experienced Tuscaloosa asylum lawyer as soon as possible.

How to Apply for Asylum

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services—known as USCIS—has strict standards for asylum applications. For an applicant to qualify, they must establish that they are being persecuted or fear that they will be persecuted by their home country based on five reasons:

• Race
• Religion
• Membership in a specific social group
• Political opinions
• Nationality

Asylum is not guaranteed for an applicant, even if they claim they are being persecuted based on one of these five factors. During the application process, it is necessary for an applicant to establish that the potential for persecution in their home country is a “reasonable possibility.” If the government disagrees, an application will likely be denied. This is often one of the major hurdles for anyone seeking asylum in the United States. Applicants must also comply with all the remaining requirements during the asylum process, including appearing at all interviews and attending any biometrics appointments.

Proving a person’s eligibility for asylum can be a difficult process. Despite the challenges, the right legal counsel might be able to help improve the chances of a positive case outcome. A skilled asylum attorney in Tuscaloosa could be an invaluable ally during these challenging times.

Working in the U.S. When Applying for Asylum

As a rule, anyone applying for asylum in the United States is barred from working in the country while their application is under review. However, finding employment might eventually be an option for an applicant. For instance, when an immigrant waits a full year after filing their asylum petition, they can usually request permission to work in the U.S.

While there is no certainty that USCIS will grant an application, a seasoned asylum lawyer could help someone in Tuscaloosa obtain approval to work after the appropriate time has passed.

What Happens When a Request is Granted?

If the government approves a request for asylum, the applicant and their qualifying family members will be granted asylee status. This gives these individuals the right to remain in the country indefinitely.

Asylees have the right to work without having to request permission from the government. An asylee may also ask that any qualifying dependents that were not included in the original application be given derivative asylum status. This includes a spouse as well as unmarried children under the age of 21.

Learn How a Tuscaloosa Asylum Attorney Could Help

Asylum represents a fresh start for many hopeful applicants, but there is no guarantee that the government will accept your application. You may face complicated processes that are difficult to understand without the help of legal representation.

Due to the risks that you might face by returning to your home country, it is vital that you give yourself the best chance possible of a successful case outcome. Reach out to a Tuscaloosa asylum lawyer right away to get started.