Irvine Asylum Lawyer

If you are residing in Irvine and are thinking about applying for asylum, a dedicated Irvine asylum lawyer from U.S. Law Center can help you navigate this complicated and sometimes overwhelming process. You may need to defend yourself in immigration court by applying for asylum. Perhaps you have just arrived in the country and want to pursue affirmative asylum. No matter the case, we can protect your interests and defend your right to stay.

At U.S. Law Center, our compassionate and dedicated immigration team understands just how high the stakes are for each asylum case. Therefore, we assist our clients by building robust, well-documented arguments to optimize their chances of approval. As asylum processing rules and interview guidelines are commonly subject to change, it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable attorney who stays current on immigration law.

Understanding Immigration in Irvine

Irvine is located in Orange County and boasts a population of 307,670 residents. This city is highly diverse and educated; 69% of adults over 25 have a bachelor’s degree or higher. This makes it an attractive option for arriving immigrants and individuals seeking asylum. 49% of housing units are occupied by renters, which shows just how mobile the population is.

Many new arrivals in the Irvine area, such as asylum seekers, rent apartments or homes as they look for work in the ever-increasing job market. These individuals are commonly seeking legal help to give them protections to start their lives, making access to knowledgeable, local legal guidance crucial.

How to Apply for Asylum in the U.S.

Applying for asylum in the U.S. involves showing that you are facing persecution or have a reasonable fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, politics, or pertinence to a social group. You must also be physically present in the country. There are two main types of asylum processes: defensive asylum and affirmative asylum.

Affirmative asylum requires filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, within one year of arriving in the country. To apply for affirmative asylum, you cannot already be in deportation or removal proceedings. If your case is not approved by USCIS and you do not have lawful status, you will be referred to immigration court as a defensive asylum case.

Defensive asylum is for individuals who are already facing deportation proceedings in immigration court. Asylum can be applied for as a defense against being removed from the country.

For all asylum applications, close family members, such as your spouse and unmarried children under 21, can be included. Your case will be processed at the Los Angeles Asylum Office, which is actually located in Tustin.

Employment Authorization for Asylum Seekers

150 days after your asylum application has been filed, you can apply for work authorization by submitting Form I-765. After 180 days of waiting, assuming that there are no delays, your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) should arrive. Individuals who are granted asylum can immediately work. If the application is denied, the work authorization ends sixty days after the denial, unless it is appealed, or when the EAD expires.

Why Work With an Irvine Asylum Lawyer?

New and evolving policies have significantly influenced how asylum officers conduct interviews and review evidence. Any documentation is now required to be presented during the initial threshold screening interview, with late evidence not being accepted. Furthermore, with many individuals facing expedited removal, it is crucial to work with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who can protect their rights and interests in all situations.

A skilled asylum attorney in Irvine can assist you with:

• Determining your options for immigration relief, such as asylum, TPS, or SIFS
• Correctly filing Form I-589
• Collecting and submitting robust evidence
• Preparing you for hearings and interviews
• Appealing any potential denials

Our knowledgeable and dedicated team can provide the culturally competent, compassionate legal services you deserve.

FAQs About Irvine, CA Asylum Laws

Who Can Apply for Asylum in the United States?

Individuals who can apply for asylum in the U.S. are those who:

• Are already physically located in the country
• Have a reasonable fear of persecution in their country of origin due to their nationality, religion, race, politics, or relevance to a particular social group

A detail-oriented asylum attorney can determine whether you may be eligible for asylum status.

How Long Do I Have to Apply for Asylum?

You typically have to apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States if you want to go through the affirmative asylum process. There may, however, be exceptions, such as if the circumstances in your country of origin have drastically changed or a severe medical condition kept you from applying before.

What Is the Difference Between Affirmative and Defensive Asylum?

Affirmative asylum is filed with USCIS within one year of arriving in the U.S. if no removal or deportation proceedings have already begun. Defensive asylum, however, is used as a defense strategy against deportation or removal proceedings in immigration court. If an affirmative asylum case is denied, it may be referred to the immigration courts as a defensive asylum case.

Can I Work While My Asylum Case Is Pending?

Yes, you can work while your asylum case is pending. After 150 days of filing for asylum, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document. This document should arrive 180 days after submitting your asylum application. However, if your application has any errors or incomplete information, that could lead to delays.

What If My Asylum Case Is Denied?

If your asylum case is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days of receiving your denial letter. While your appeal is being processed, you are protected from deportation. Furthermore, if your case was dismissed because you missed a hearing, you could have the option to file a motion to reopen.

Reach Out to an Experienced Irvine Asylum Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one needs assistance with the long and complex asylum process in Irvine, we can navigate your case and protect your interests. Contact an empathetic and skilled attorney from U.S. Law Center today to confidentially discuss your case.