Do you fear returning to your home country because you or your loved ones could be harmed? You may qualify under U.S. immigration law for protection from persecution, whether through a grant of asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Our team will work with you to discover how the law may apply to your situation, always sensitive to the emotional cost of revisiting past frightening events in your life. Contact our dedicated Lancaster County asylum lawyers for assistance today.

Asylum Lawyers | Serving Clients in Lancaster County & Throughout PA

Unfortunately, innocent people around the world often find themselves facing hardships and real danger in their native countries. That said, if you can prove you’re at risk of persecution, you may qualify for asylum in the United States. Our team of Lancaster immigration lawyers is dedicated to representing immigrations from all nations, and we’re prepared to effectively represent you as well.

Qualifying for Asylum

To qualify for asylum in the United States, you must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on one or more of the following grounds:

Race: You are at risk because of your racial identity and the societal acceptance of prejudice against your race in your home country.
Religion: You face persecution due to your religious beliefs, practices, or your affiliation with a particular religious group.
Nationality: Your nationality, including ethnicity or citizenship, places you at risk of harm or discrimination in your country.
Political Opinion: You have been targeted or fear that you will be targeted because of your political opinions or your political activities, including those perceived by your government or other groups.
Membership in a Particular Social Group: You belong to a group of people that share a common, immutable characteristic (this can include certain family ties, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics that are so fundamental to identity or conscience that a person should not be forced to change them).

It’s important to note that the persecution you fear must be serious and can include threats to your life or freedom, torture, constant surveillance, pressure to join a group that you oppose, discrimination to the point of severely affecting your life, and other forms of harm.

Applying for Asylum

The asylum application process can be complicated and document-heavy, which is why it’s always best to go through it with a team of competent asylum lawyers in your corner. That said, a brief outline of the asylum application process is as follows:

Determine Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you meet the criteria for asylum based on the grounds listed above.
File Form I-589: Within one year of your arrival in the United States, you must file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form can be filed regardless of your current immigration status.
Fingerprinting and Background Check: After filing your application, you will receive an appointment for fingerprinting to conduct a security check and ensure you do not have a criminal record that would disqualify you from asylum.
Asylum Interview: You will be scheduled for an interview with an asylum officer. During this interview, you will have the opportunity to explain your situation, present evidence, and answer questions about your fear of persecution.
Decision: The decision on your asylum application can vary in time, depending on the complexity of your case and the backlog of cases at USCIS. If your application is approved, you will be granted asylum and can eventually apply for permanent residency (a green card) and citizenship. If denied, you may appeal the decision or seek other forms of protection.

Contact Our Pennsylvania Asylum Lawyers Today

Contact our asylum lawyers today for a free consultation to determine whether applying for asylum or similar protection is right for you. Please note that U.S. immigration law requires an asylum application to be submitted within one year of entering the country, unless there are exceptional circumstances preventing you from doing so. But even if you are past this deadline, don’t hesitate to explore this option today if you fear persecution on account of your race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or because you belong to a group of people that are targeted for harm in your country.