If you’re afraid of persecution in your home country – because of religious, political, or other reasons – you may be able to seek immigration asylum in the Unites States. Asylum can protect you and your loved ones and offer you an indefinite stay in the country. You may also be able to seek work authorization or apply for a green card once you’ve been in the U.S. for a set amount of time.
Eligibility for Immigration Asylum
While immigration asylum can be a great option for some individuals, unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for it. In order to qualify for asylum, you must be able to prove two things:
1. That you have been persecuted in your home country in the past or you have a fear (based on strong supporting evidence) that you will be if you return.
2. That your past persecution (or the persecution you expect if you were to go back) is related to either your race, your religious affiliation, your membership in a particular group or organization, your political views, or your nationality. In recent years, persecution because of gender has often be an approved reason for asylum as well.
U.S. law doesn’t specifically outline exactly what “persecution” is, but through various court cases and verdicts, it has largely come to include acts of violence, physical threats, torture, false imprisonment, and, in extreme cases, the violation of civil or human rights.
Seeking Immigration Asylum
Even if you meet the two requirements for asylum and can prove it, you still may be ineligible for immigration asylum in the U.S.
There are three groups of people who are barred from seeking U.S. asylum. These include:
· Those who have aided in the persecution of others.
· Those who are already settled in another country.
· Those who pose a safety or security threat to U.S. citizens.
Are you considering seeking immigration asylum? Contact the Davis Law Firm today. We’ll help determine if you’re eligible for asylum and, in the event you are, help guide you through the process.