Immigration Services
Asylum
Legal representation for affirmative and defensive asylum claims.
Overview
Asylum
Asylum is a form of protection available to people already in the United States who fear persecution in their home country. To qualify, an applicant must show either past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Asylum cases are among the most factually and legally complex matters in immigration law. They require detailed personal testimony, country conditions evidence, corroborating documentation, and a legal theory that connects the persecution to a protected ground. Anderson Immigration Law Group represents asylum seekers before USCIS in affirmative cases and before the Immigration Court in defensive cases.
A grant of asylum opens a path to work authorization, derivative status for qualifying spouses and children, and eventual lawful permanent residence.
Who This Service Is For
Situations We Commonly Review
- People in the United States who fear persecution if returned to their home country
- People in removal proceedings who need asylum as a defense to removal
- People filing within one year of entry or who may qualify for a filing-deadline exception
- Qualifying spouses and children who may be included as derivatives
- People granted asylum who are preparing to apply for permanent residence
Sound like your situation? Request a consultation or call 888-305-0261.
Our Process and What to Expect
A Clearer View of the Process
- 01
Eligibility and Deadline Review
We assess the protected ground, the facts supporting past persecution or future fear, the one-year filing deadline, and any possible bars.
- 02
Application and Evidence
We prepare the application, personal declaration, identity documents, country conditions materials, expert evidence where appropriate, and corroborating statements.
- 03
Interview or Court Hearing
Affirmative applicants prepare for a USCIS interview. Defensive applicants prepare for testimony, witnesses, evidence, and cross-examination before an Immigration Judge.
- 04
Decision and Further Options
After a grant, we address work authorization, qualifying relatives, and permanent residence. After a denial, we evaluate appeals and other protection such as withholding of removal or Convention Against Torture relief.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Every case is different — these answers are general information, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your case, call 888-305-0261 or request a consultation.
How do I know if I am eligible for asylum?
You must generally show past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution based on a protected ground, and that the government is responsible or unable or unwilling to control the persecutor.
What does well-founded fear mean?
It means the fear is genuine and objectively reasonable based on the applicant's circumstances and country conditions. It does not require certainty that harm will occur.
Will I be interviewed or testify?
Affirmative applicants attend an asylum interview. Defensive applicants generally testify at an individual hearing before an Immigration Judge and may be questioned by a government attorney.
What is the one-year filing deadline?
An asylum application generally must be filed within one year of the applicant's last arrival. Changed or extraordinary circumstances may create an exception. Other protection may remain available even when asylum is time-barred.