Asylum Attorneys in New Bern

Comprehensive Asylum Assistance in Craven County

Asylum is a protection afforded to individuals who are fleeing abuse, persecution, or unsafe conditions in their home country. Asylum seekers will have to meet certain requirements to be eligible for asylum status.

At The E.A. Wood Law Firm, we represent individuals who have arrived in the U.S. specifically seeking asylum, as well as those who have been found in the U.S. illegally but have a legitimate fear of returning to their native country. Asylum can be an effective deportation defense in these situations. Our asylum attorneys in New Bern can assist immigrants around the country.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you fear persecution or deportation. Reach out to us at (800) 611-0821 today to schedule a consultation with our New Bern asylum lawyer.

Eligibility Criteria for Asylum Seekers

Unfortunately, many people who have a legitimate reason to fear harm in their country do not qualify for protection under asylum.

To qualify for asylum status, you must prove that you fear persecution based on:

• Race
• Nationality
• Religion
• Political opinion
• Membership in a certain social group

Suffering harassment alone is not enough to qualify for asylum. You must be able to show that you fear serious harm or a threat to your life. If you have not actually suffered harm, you may still qualify for political asylum or refugee status.

Reasons to Pursue Asylum in the U.S.

These categories include the following:

• Persecution Based on Race: Ethnic minorities or individuals of certain racial backgrounds may be targets of discrimination, violence, or other forms of persecution. In some countries, governments or dominant social groups could oppress racial minorities through systemic policies, forced labor, or violent campaigns.
• Persecution Based on Religion: Religious intolerance could lead to serious punishment, harassment, or even death for those who practice a particular faith. Asylum could be sought by individuals whose religious beliefs place them at risk of persecution by their government or society. This could include restrictions on religious practices, forced conversion, or imprisonment for exercising one’s faith.
• Persecution Based on Nationality: Nationality-based persecution occurs when individuals are targeted due to their national origin or ethnic heritage. In some cases, refugees from specific regions or countries are denied basic rights, subjected to violence, or forced into dangerous living conditions. If the government fails to safeguard or is complicit in these actions, asylum may be an option.
• Persecution Based on Political Opinion: People who openly express their political beliefs, participate in opposition movements, or criticize the government could ay face imprisonment, torture, or execution in their home countries. Asylum can be awarded to those who are persecuted for their political opinions, whether they have been actively involved in political opposition or are perceived to hold dissenting views.
• Persecution Based on Membership in a Particular Social Group: Membership in a "particular social group" is a broad category that includes individuals who share common characteristics that are considered fundamental to their identity. This could include gender, sexual orientation, or belonging to a distinct ethnic or social group. LGBTQ+ individuals, for example, could face extreme violence or discrimination in countries where their sexual orientation or gender identity is not accepted.

Traveling with Asylum Status in the U.S.

If you have asylum status in the United States, you are able to travel abroad after receiving approval from the DHS through a refugee travel document. This travel document is valid for one year and serves as your passport for both leaving and returning to the United States.

Understanding Asylum vs. Refugee Status

One primary difference between seeking asylum and seeking refugee status is the location from where you make your request. Asylum seekers must be present at the U.S. border or already in the United States. Those seeking refugee status make their request from outside the U.S.

Path to a Green Card After Asylum Approval

It's important to know that an asylum approval does not automatically grant you permanent resident status in the United States. Asylees are subject to certain restrictions when traveling outside the United States, and one's asylum status can be discontinued.

Asylees wishing to obtain permanent residency status and obtain a Green Card will need to wait at least one year after their asylum status is approved. They can then apply for an adjustment of status, which typically takes at least four months to be approved. Asylum applicants must meet the same requirements of any other green card applicant, and additionally must not have had their grant of asylum terminated.

Navigating the Asylum Application Process

Applying for asylum can be a complex and daunting process, but our experienced attorneys at E.A. Wood Law Firm are here to guide you through every step. From gathering the necessary documentation to preparing for interviews and hearings, we provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Key aspects of the asylum application process include:

• Evaluating eligibility and determining the best course of action
• Completing and submitting Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
• Preparing for an interview with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Attending a hearing before an immigration judge, if necessary
• Understanding the rights and protections available to asylum seekers

With our dedicated legal team by your side, you can navigate the complexities of the asylum application process with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing asylum in the United States.

Get in Touch with Our New Bern Asylum Lawyer

Our immigration attorneys in New Bern are passionate about helping and protecting people around the world who are unsafe in their current conditions. We strive to ensure that these people receive the protections they need and deserve. With our help, you can present a strong argument as to why you are eligible for asylum in the U.S.

Contact us online or call (800) 611-0821 to request an appointment with our asylum attorneys in New Bern today. We serve clients in Craven County and around the country.