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Immigration status sought by a person either entering the U.S. or already physically in the U.S., who has a
reasonable fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or
political opinion; if forced to return to their country of last residence.
Who Is Eligible:
Aliens who have remained in the U.S. for less than one year and are part of an eligible "asylum class" (i.e.
persecuted due to political party, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation group, social group, etc.)
Visa Duration:
The asylum status can be held indefinitely. However, the work authorization must be renewed on a yearly basis.
Renewability:
The asylum status can be held indefinitely. However, the work authorization must be renewed on a yearly basis.
Family Benefits:
Immediate family members may be eligible for asylum status with all its benefits such as work authorization, as
long as they have been named in the alien's asylum application, even if any family members are not present in the
U.S. at the time the application is filed
What Documentation Do I Need?
- Applicant supporting documentation for Asylum Petition:
- - Alien's Birth certificate or other form of identification
- Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse)
- Copy of passport and I-94 for all applicants (if alien already in the U.S.)
- 3 Immigration style photos for each petitioner (showing right ear)
- Evidence of relationship if applying for children under 21 years of age (birth certificates of children,
school
records, etc.)
- Affidavit from client stating the problems they have had in their country of origin and why they
cannot return there .
- Third Party supporting documentation for Asylum Petition:
- - Newspaper articles supporting persecution of Òasylum class",
- Death certificates of family members and other Òclass members",
- Medical records showing abuse of petitioners, family members and other Òclass members",
- Police reports proving violence against petitioners, family members or other Òclass members",
- US Department of State Report on petitioner's country
- Human Rights Reports supporting situation on petitioner's country
- Proof of membership in Òasylum class" in petitioner's country of origin, (i.e. if claiming political
asylum-documents showing current membership in persecuted party; if claiming religious asylum-
documents showing membership in persecuted religious group, etc.) Any other documents that
demonstrate persecution of petitioner's Òasylum class" in their country of last residence.
What Is The Process Like?
- Stage 1:
- Gather Alien's information and all supporting documentation-time required depends on client's
ability to obtain documents and his/her level of involvement
Stage 2:
- Complete and file asylum application ( I-589)-Approximately 15-20 days from the date in which all
supporting documentation is obtained. A notice of receipt from the The US Immigration Service
should be received approximately within 30-60 days.
Stage 3:
- The The US Immigration Service will schedule and mail an interview date (this is generally
scheduled for 30 to 900 days from the date recorded in the notice of receipt--the length of time
depends on the particular schedule of the interviewing local The US Immigration Service office).
Stage 4:
- Prepare alien for The US Immigration Service Interview and attend The US Immigration Service
interview-number of preparation sessions and time required depends on client's progress and
comfort level.
Note: If no final decision (approval or denial) has been made on the petition within 150 days from the date
recorded on the notice of receipt, then we will complete and file a work authorization application (this is
generally granted within 90 days from it's filing date.) If the asylum petition is granted before 150 days, a
work authorization application may be filed immediately. If a negative decision is rendered by the The US
Immigration Service, the case may be heard before the immigration court. This entails an an additional
process and more time to be incurred in the case.
What Are The The US Immigration Service Filing Fees?
- There are no The US Immigration Service filing fees for asylum petitions (form I-589)
content. No attorney/client relationship exists as a result of an individual or entity reading or utilizing the contents of these
pages. If you want actual legal advice you should call or visit a licensed attorney.
Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court. Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in any Particular Area.
