We completely understand how daunting and overwhelming the asylum application process is in the U.S. When you are fleeing persecution and trying to forge a better life, trying to complete forms, attend interviews, and understand where you fit in with the U.S. immigration law is draining and stressful and this is where a political asylum lawyer helps.
As you will see below, an asylum attorney can fill in the gaps, give you all the knowledge and tools you need, and guide you through the asylum application process.
The Role of an Asylum Lawyer
You first need to know what a lawyer does and how they can help you bid for sanctuary, typically, their services include:
- Consultation to explain the U.S. asylum process.
- Create a strategy tailored to your individual situation.
- Assist in the completion of important application forms.
- Representation during the asylum interview.
- Assisting during appeals and denied cases.
As you can see, an asylum lawyer essentially takes you through each stage of the asylum application process, ensuring you have the best chances of success and making the process as easy as possible for you to understand.
Qualifications and Expertise
When looking for an immigration asylum lawyer, you have to consider their reputation, qualifications, and skill set for the role, and particulars include:
- A proven track record of client success.
- Specialization in the area of U.S. immigration law.
- Minimum qualification.
Qualifications are essential as these show that the asylum lawyer understands the U.S. legal system. Thatโs not enough, though โ the lawyer must also specialize in the area of U.S. immigration law, as this is an entirely separate aspect of U.S. law that needs additional study.
Lastly, can you easily see that the attorney has a proven track record and a history of clients they have worked with? You should be able to see testimonials from real clients who have benefited from the lawyerโs services.
Initial Consultation
Before agreeing to any contract or legal representation, an asylum attorney should provide an initial consultation. This is vital as it gives the lawyer a chance to get to know you and evaluate your case for asylum.
This is the point where the attorney will determine if you are eligible and, if so, outline the potential path you could take for your application. Meetings such as these are completely confidential, and you have the benefit of the attorney-client privilege.
Legal Strategy and Planning
To successfully navigate the U.S. asylum process, you must have a watertight strategy and a clear process for your application, and this is what an attorney provides.
They will discuss your case in detail, and look at things like your personal situation, history, and the grounds you will base your claim on. They should also look at the potential obstacles and challenges that could make your case difficult.
Throughout all of this, the best asylum lawyers will set clear expectations and be realistic about the process and your chances of success.
Asylum Application Preparation
Asylum lawyers really pay dividends when it comes to the application process, and they help in a range of ways, including:
- Assistance during the completion of the I-589 application form.
- Guidance on building a credible portfolio of supporting evidence.
- Ensuring deadlines are met for application submission.
Essentially, they make sure that your application process runs smoothly so that you arenโt denied asylum based on something simple, such as an incorrectly filed form or a missed deadline.
Representation During Asylum Interview
After the application, the interview is the next most important process, and an asylum lawyer can accompany you during the interview. This ensures that you have fair representation and you are given help for any difficult questions or misunderstandings.
Before the interview, the lawyer provides extensive coaching and a breakdown of what to expect. They make sure you are fully prepared and go into the interview with full confidence.
Appealing Denied Asylum Cases
Should your application be denied, the attorney can explain the options you have, such as appealing the decision or applying for a withholding of removal process.
They will also explain why your application was denied and what you can do to avoid the same thing happening again in subsequent applications. If you appeal or apply for withholding of removal, the lawyer will work with you to craft a watertight case to give you the best chances of succeeding a second time.
Staying Informed About Immigration Policies
While the biggest part of an asylum attorneyโs job is helping those seeking refuge, they are also responsible for maintaining their knowledge to provide you with the best service possible. This includes keeping up to date with changes to U.S. immigration policies, world politics, global events, and different asylum cases across the world.
The best immigration asylum lawyers will also strive to improve laws, conditions, and benefits for asylum seekers and push for continued improvement of the U.S. immigration system.
Cost and Fees of Asylum Attorney
We canโt ignore the obvious โ hiring an asylum lawyer isnโt free. Typically, this profession charges an hourly rate which can vary from $100 to $1000 per hour depending on your circumstance and the depth of service you require.
Most lawyers will offer structured fees based on different levels of services and may offer payment plans to give you some relief. Make sure you research the fees carefully, understand exactly the services you gain, and how payment is expected.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Choosing the right representative is paramount, and you shouldnโt simply trust someone because they say they are the best asylum lawyer in USA. Instead, research the prospective asylum lawyer and check their credentials.
Are they qualified? Can you speak to anyone who has used their services? Do they provide any testimonials or case studies vouching for their quality? Social proof is vital โ you need to see evidence that the asylum lawyer can deliver.
Make Your Asylum Application Easy by Using an Immigration Asylum Lawyer
Even if you are confident in your communication skills and have researched U.S. asylum law, we still advise using the services of an immigration asylum lawyer. This gives you a safety net and makes sure that every part of the application process runs smoothly and you leave no grounds for denial. You will be fully prepared and armed with knowledge and can move forward with your asylum application with confidence.