Applying for Asylum in North Carolina
The immigration attorneys of ROBERT BROWN LLC represent clients who need to learn about the availability of asylum as a way to remain in the U.S. and avoid returning to the threat of persecution in the country of origin. Thousands of individuals from abroad come to the United States and settle throughout North Carolina to escape the persecution and dangers of their home country. The main issue in an asylum petition is whether the applicant can establish an inability to return to his or her own country by reason of past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
Asylum can be granted upon the expiration of a temporary visa or as a way to avoid removal. To learn more about your options for asylum and the application process, contact ROBERT BROWN LLC in Durham for the advice of an experienced immigration lawyer.
Understanding the Asylum Process
Although U.S. courts sympathize with the plight of foreign nationals who seek to escape harm in their home country, applicants must satisfy the requirements of U.S. asylum regulations, and early preparation is critical to the success of an application for asylum. Applicants must be thoroughly prepared to discuss their specific reasons for seeking asylum in the United States, and must also provide full documentation for their claims.
The filing requirements for asylum are also detailed, involving deadlines, exceptions to deadlines, documentary evidence when possible, and establishing the applicant's credibility. The asylum process is complex and often rigorous, which highlights the importance of having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney with you throughout the process.
The initial application for asylum can be complicated by issues such as your current immigration status, criminal record or previous unfavorable action on an asylum application. If you're in current removal proceedings, that can be a complicating factor as well, but asylum and other options remain available to keep you in the U.S.
Preparing for the Asylum Interview
ROBERT BROWN LLC helps clients prepare for the interview on the asylum application, which will take place after fingerprinting and no more than 43 days after the date of your asylum application. If it will be difficult for you to get to the asylum office in Arlington, Virginia, the schedule can be adjusted to allow the asylum officer time to meet with you closer to your home. One of our North Carolina asylum process lawyers will accompany you to the interview, and protect your interests to the extent that we can under the interview procedure.
Temporary Protected Status, Withholding of Removal and CAT
As alternatives to asylum, there are several other ways to remain in the U.S., including temporary protected status (TPS), withholding of removal, and the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
TPS is available to nationals of certain countries where conditions of war, disaster or civil unrest prevent return. Withholding of removal is a status that resembles asylum, but extends fewer rights to those who are granted it. The Convention Against Torture grants specific rights of asylum to people who can meet its high standards of proof for eligibility.
To find out more about your right to asylum or the other ways to remain lawfully in the U.S., contact the Raleigh-Durham asylum lawyers at ROBERT BROWN LLC.
