Asylum

Nashville Asylum Attorneys

Immigration Law Professionals Committed to Assisting Clients Seeking Asylum in the United States

Many foreign-born individuals and their family members come to the United States of America because they view our country as representing a potential for freedom, individualism, and unique opportunities. However, some foreign nationals consider navigating the complex immigration legal system and coming to the USA because they have little to no other choice. The United States has long been known as a nation that offers a haven and legal immigration status to the oppressed from other countries seeking a better life free from persecution. The US federal government has means by which certain immigrants facing oppression and the fear of persecution can apply for asylum within our borders, which can later result in lawful permanent residency and potentially lead to citizenship. Seeking asylum can also be the answer to various immigration issues, such as removal proceedings in certain circumstances.

There are strict criteria for those seeking asylum status in the US. It is highly recommended that asylum seekers obtain the professional legal representation of an experienced immigration lawyer to help them through the legal process of applying for and hopefully obtaining asylum. If you reside in Middle Tennessee and seek the help of immigration lawyers in Nashville, look no further than our law office for legal assistance.

Our Nashville immigration attorneys are well-versed in the ever-changing immigration laws of our country and can help foreign nationals pursue their idea of the American dream by various means, including family-based immigration, work visas, and seeking asylum or refugee status. To learn more about our immigration services and how an experienced attorney can help represent you throughout the application process, please contact our legal team to schedule a confidential case evaluation today.

What is Political Asylum?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office details political asylum as one legal means for foreign nationals from other countries to come to the USA if they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution based on specific characteristics.

In the United States, there are several different types of asylum protections, including affirmative and defensive asylum. Additionally, asylum can be sought to withhold removal during deportation proceedings or via the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

Affirmative asylum involves applying directly to the USCIS, submitting your application, relevant evidence, and documentation, and attending an interview at the local USCIS office. It is available to qualifying individuals who are not currently in removal proceedings.

If you are in removal proceedings and facing deportation in an immigration court, defensive asylum may be an option. In defensive asylum cases, your asylum application is submitted directly to the immigration judge. You are then asked to provide documentary evidence, testimony, and witnesses to prove your case.

What is Refugee Status?

Similar to asylum seekers are those hoping to obtain refugee status. The difference between asylum seekers and refugees is that a refugee currently resides outside of the United States and is unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of well-founded fears. Asylum seekers are already within US borders when they apply or seek asylum at a legal port of entry.

The legal process for refugees involves obtaining permission from the United States Refugee Admissions Program. This program receives refugee referrals from US embassies, non-governmental organizations, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The applicant will be screened and sent to the USCIS for additional processing if approved. Refugees can become green card holders if they apply for an adjustment of status within one year of obtaining refugee immigration status.

Do You Qualify for Asylum in the U.S.?

While we tend to think of asylum seekers as political dissidents, there are other reasons why foreign nationals may seek asylum in the United States. You may be able to get protection from the US government if you are facing or fear facing persecution based on your race, political opinions, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular group.

With the help of an experienced immigration attorney, you will need to provide details and evidence regarding the extent of the persecution you stand to face if you are returned to your home country, the cause of your fear of persecution, the identity of the perpetrators of the supposed persecution, examples of having previously suffered from persecution, and any specific harm you believe may befall you if you are forced to return to your home nation.

When your immigration case is referred to the courts, you want a dedicated immigration lawyer present to represent your rights and defend your best interests. Our Nashville immigration lawyers would be proud to lend legal assistance.

Examples of persecution include the following:

  • Being forced to participate in conduct that is counter to an individual’s personal convictions or religious beliefs
  • Discrimination or harassment, as well as restrictions on access to education, based on your characteristics
  • Economic discrimination, including deliberately depriving you of adequate housing or food
  • Human rights violations, including genocide
  • The intentional infliction of psychological, emotional, or mental harm on an individual because of their personal characteristics
  • Threats of serious physical harm or psychological damage because of your character class
  • Unlawful detention and being detained without due process for political or discriminatory reasons
  • Various examples of torture
  • Violence such as rape, forced abortions, sterilization, extreme forced labor, beatings, assault, genital mutilation, and other forms of physical abuse for political or discriminatory purposes

Can Asylees Later Apply for a Green Card?

When granted asylum in the United States, you will be permitted to work within the country. However, you cannot apply for employment authorization simultaneously when applying for asylum status. You must apply for asylum first, and then, once you obtain asylum status, you can apply for work authorization within the country.

Those granted asylum in the United States are allowed to apply for a green card and achieve lawful permanent residence once they have been a lawful asylee for at least one calendar year. As a legal permanent resident, you will be afforded unique benefits and can later apply to become a United States citizen.

How Can Our Nashville Immigration Lawyers Assist You?

The immigration process can feel needlessly complicated and overwhelming, especially in cases where you are fleeing persecution and trying to save your family members from severe physical or mental harm. You do not need to go through the United States’ legal immigration system alone. Experienced asylum attorneys, such as those on our compassionate legal team, await your call so that they can lend valuable legal guidance throughout the immigration process.

Whether you are filing an affirmative or defensive asylum application, our law firm is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that you meet all the necessary criteria, fill out forms correctly, and present compelling evidence that supports your claims.

Your immigration lawyers will be there to address your concerns and answer your questions, help you file necessary paperwork and petitions for work authorization, and keep you informed of the status of your case so that you always know where you stand. If required, your immigration attorneys will represent you in immigration court as well.

Contact Our Middle Tennessee Law Firm to Schedule a Consultation with Our Skilled Immigration Attorneys Today

If you are fleeing persecution or fearing persecution in your home country, you may qualify for asylum status in the United States of America. However, meeting the necessary criteria, going through the legal process, and proving your case in interviews or the courtroom can be a daunting experience. Our Nashville immigration lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time.

To learn more about the benefits of retaining the legal services of our Nashville immigration attorneys, please contact our law office to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team today.

You can reach us by phone at 615-616-6775.