Affirmative asylum is the process of applying for asylum with USCIS while you are physically present in the United States and not currently in immigration court removal proceedings.

A successful asylum application allows you to:

• Remain legally in the United States
• Apply for work authorization
• Petition for certain family members
• Eventually apply for a green card and U.S. citizenship

Asylum cases are highly detailed and often depend on the strength of your evidence and testimony.

You may qualify for asylum if you have suffered persecution or fear future persecution in your home country because of your:

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

Our law firm handles many types of asylum claims, including:

• Political persecution
• LGBTQ persecution
• Religious persecution
• Domestic violence and gender-based claims
• Gang violence and organized crime
• Ethnic persecution
• Forced marriage cases
• Female genital mutilation cases
• Family-based persecution

Every asylum case is unique and requires a carefully prepared legal strategy.

At the New York Immigration Center, we work closely with clients to prepare detailed and persuasive asylum applications.

We assist with:

• Form I-589 asylum applications
• Personal declarations and affidavits
• Country condition evidence
• Human rights reports
• Medical and psychological evaluations when appropriate
• Supporting witness statements
• USCIS asylum interview preparation
• Responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

Our attorneys carefully prepare clients for their asylum interviews and help ensure their stories are clearly and effectively presented.

In most cases, asylum applicants must file within one year of entering the United States. Certain exceptions may apply based on changed or extraordinary circumstances.

Because asylum deadlines are strict, it is important to speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible.