Asylum is a type of immigration status that allows those who fear persecution in their home country to live in the United States. In order to qualify for asylum, you must have a well-founded fear that you will face persecution if you are forced to return to your home country.
Not all harsh or dangerous circumstances will provide viable grounds for an asylum claim. In addition to facing the real prospect of harm should you return to your home country, you must also be able to show that your persecution is based on your status within a protected class. This could include persecution based on your religion, political views, or gender.
There are different ways to apply for asylum in the United States. If you have never faced deportation or removal proceedings, you can pursue something known as “affirmative asylum.” This involves entering the United States and filing a petition for asylum within one year of your entry date. The failure to seek asylum within that one-year period could put your chances of affirmative asylum at risk.
There is also something known as defensive asylum. Defensive asylum occurs when you raise the grounds for asylum as a defense during deportation proceedings. In some cases, the government will agree not to deport you if you can show you qualify for asylum.
Countless applications for asylum are denied each year. To give yourself the best chance at success, now is the time to speak with a Chandler asylum lawyer. Contact Diamondback Legal as soon as possible for a free consultation.
