Are you interested in making your asylum case stronger?
This blog discusses three ways to make your case stronger so you can have a higher chance of approval on your asylum application.
If you are in the process of applying for asylum or considering applying, you are likely to be anxious about; whether you will be granted asylum in the U.S. How can you ensure your case wins?
How to prepare to win asylum? And many other questions might be running through your mind.
It is natural to worry about the outcome, whether you have applied for asylum in the U.S. or are thinking about filing your asylum application
To be granted asylum, an individual must demonstrate that they meet the definition of a refugee as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).
According to the definition, you must prove that you cannot return to your home country because you were persecuted there or fear persecution there in the future. (See 8 U.S.C. § 1158.)
The individual must also prove that they are not barred from asylum based on the I.N.A.’s grounds for inadmissibility.
The United States has a long history of providing asylum to those who have fled their home countries due to persecution. The process is challenging; however, the good news is that if you meet the definition of a refugee and can present a strong case, you can significantly increase your chances of winning asylum.
There are several ways to strengthen your asylum case in the United States.
Read this blog to build up your asylum case in the U.S.
Strategies for making asylum case strong
There are various ways that individuals can improve their chances of qualifying for asylum in the United States. Some of these strategies include:
Strategy #1 Build a credible personal story
Building a credible personal story is one of the most critical aspects of strengthening an asylum case. Some have faced torture, rape, or persecution because of their race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Others have fled their homes because of natural disasters or violence.
You may have reasons why you were forced to leave your home country and seek safety elsewhere, and you must be able to show that convincingly. This means having a clear and consistent account of who you are, why you are fleeing your home country, and what you fear will happen to you if you are returned. To do this, you must be able to tell your story concisely that highlight why you are eligible for asylum.
Be as specific as possible when describing your story; for example, provide dates, names, and other details. This can be difficult, as many asylum seekers have experienced traumatic events that make it hard to remember all the details. Also, asylum seekers may worry about reliving their trauma or revealing sensitive information during their testimony. Thus, identify critical points that must be shared and prepare well in advance.
It is also crucial to be honest, and open in your asylum interview. The asylum officer will be looking for any inconsistencies in your story, so it is essential to be as detailed and truthful as possible.
Strategy #2 Support your story with documentation
A credible story alone is inadequate; the next most important thing is to have documentation supporting your story of persecution. To do this, you will need to collect evidence to support your story.
For example, include birth certificates, medical records, police reports, hospital records, letters from friends or family members who can attest to the events you experienced, and any other documentation that can help to prove who you are and what you are saying.
Thoroughly document the reasons for seeking asylum, providing detailed information about why you are unable or unwilling to return to your home country.
Provide as much evidence as possible to support the asylum claim. In other words, include documentation showing that you faced persecution in your home country or have already been harmed because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Strategy #3 Get the best asylum lawyer
Many resources are available to help you build a strong case if you seek asylum in the United States. One of the most effective ways to ensure success is to contact an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through every step.
An experienced immigration lawyer can help you prepare your story, collect necessary evidence and build a strong asylum case.
Research conducted by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University suggests that the factor for increasing asylum denial rates was that the proportion of asylum seekers unable to find attorneys rose.
The study affirms that having representation significantly increased the chances of winning asylum or other relief. The odds of being successful if unrepresented were much lower (17.7%) than for represented asylum seekers (31.1%) in F.Y. 2020.
For asylum in the United States, it is essential to have solid legal representation. There are many ways to get legal help, including contacting a local immigration law firm or attorney.
We at Santos Khoury have more than 12 years of legal experience in immigration services, with a 98% of approval rate.
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to those seeking asylum. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can also put you in touch with an attorney in your area.
If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) have detained you, remember you have the right to a lawyer. You can ask for help from a lawyer anytime during your detention. If you cannot afford an asylum lawyer, one will be appointed for you.
