Santa Ana Asylum Lawyer

Asylum is an essential right for individuals who are escaping persecution in their home country and wish to rebuild their lives in another country. The U.S. offers asylum to refugees, but this process can be overwhelming. Working with a Santa Ana asylum lawyer and experienced immigration law firm can make your request for asylum more straightforward and help you get the safety you need.

Laws surrounding asylum and immigration change frequently, and this makes it harder to navigate the process of seeking asylum. A qualified attorney has the knowledge and resources to support your request for asylum and monitors any applicable changes to immigration laws.

Advocating for Your Safety and Seeking Asylum

It can be, unfortunately difficult to successfully apply for and be granted asylum. Any mistakes can result in denial, which can then have significant consequences for the life you are attempting to build. It could even result in removal proceedings. At U.S. Law Center, our experienced attorney can give you the comprehensive legal representation and resources you need to apply for asylum. Our team can help you have the greatest chance of obtaining the asylum you and your loved ones need.

At U.S. Law Center, we have worked in immigration law for years, advocating for the interests of non-citizens in civil and criminal immigration courts. We help individuals and families around the Santa Ana area, and we understand the unique challenges facing refugees seeking asylum. Legal aid reduces paperwork mistakes and missed deadlines. If you are denied refugee status, an attorney can determine your other options for remaining in the country.

Who Is Eligible for Asylum?

The right to claim asylum is the right to seek safety in another country if you face oppression or persecution in your home country. In the U.S., you can seek asylum by showing a well-founded fear of persecution based on:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality or ethnicity
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• HIV status
• Political ideology or membership with a specific political group
• Membership or identification with a specific social group

You must show that you cannot return to your home country due to this fear of persecution and that there is no other country you can safely live in. You can seek asylum when you initially arrive in the U.S. or within a year of arriving and physically living in the country. After a year has passed, there must be unique and extreme circumstances that prevent you from claiming asylum.

If you are granted asylum, you are allowed to remain in the U.S., but you do not have a green card or citizenship. As an asylee, you obtain temporary protected status. This status also exists when your home country is unsafe or hazardous due to natural disasters, political upheaval, or war. Temporary protected status gives you protection from removal for as long as the dangerous conditions or reason for requesting asylum apply. After one year of asylum status, you can apply for legal permanent residency.

Obtaining a Green Card as an Asylee

Once you have been granted asylum in the U.S., you can request a green card after remaining in the country for one year. A green card provides you with legal permanent residency, which gives you the right to live and work in the country, along with certain civil and legal protections. To get a green card, you must file Form I-485 to apply for permanent residence as an asylee. A green card provides you with additional protections in the country and paths forward for naturalization and citizenship.

Asylum Law FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer to File for Asylum in the USA?

While you are not required to have an attorney to seek asylum in the U.S., it is highly recommended. Immigration and asylum laws are frequently changing and can be incredibly complex. Any minor mistakes or delays in filing can result in your application for asylum being denied. An attorney can avoid these common mistakes and knows what other options are open to you if your request for asylum is denied.

How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost in the U.S.?

The fees for an immigration attorney can vary. It depends on many factors, including the type of immigration case you have. If you are getting legal aid to file a request for asylum, an adjustment of status, or another form, an attorney may charge a flat fee. This could range between $250 to $800, though it could be much higher for more complex filing needs.

However, if filing a request or other form is more complicated, an attorney may charge an hourly fee. For immigration cases, like deportation proceedings, an attorney will charge hourly. Depending on the complexity of your case, this fee may be $150 to $500 an hour.

How Do I Find a U.S. Immigration Lawyer?

There are several methods you can use to find a reliable, trustworthy, and qualified attorney. These include:

• Requesting recommendations from friends, family, and community organizations who have experience working with immigration attorneys
• Reviewing reliable databases, such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which will also show you the credentials of attorneys
• Searching for attorneys in the location you wish to live in, along with checking their reviews and results from prior cases

If possible, meet with or talk with an immigration attorney prior to hiring them to determine if they have the experience and skills needed to manage your case.

How Long Does Asylum Take in California?

Filing an I-589 form through the Affirmative Asylum Process typically results in a decision within 180 days from the day you file your request. However, there can be delays and exceptional circumstances. Once an application is submitted and biometrics are received, the USCIS typically tries to schedule an interview within 21 days, but this is not always possible.

Once the interview is conducted, you may receive a decision after two weeks. However, several factors can lengthen this timeline, including if your interview was at a USCIS field office or complications with your applications.

Work With U.S. Law Center

Every case for seeking asylum is unique, and it’s important that you work with an attorney to apply their knowledge to your unique case. No one should have to face persecution or feel unsafe. At U.S. Law Center, we are dedicated to providing you with the advocacy you need to find safety and security. Contact our team today to learn how we can help.