Houston Asylum Lawyer
Assisting Clients With Asylum Matters in Texas
Asylum is a type of legal protection under U.S. immigration law granted to people who have fled their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. The U.S. offers asylum as a form of humanitarian relief, allowing eligible individuals to live and work in this country and eventually apply for permanent residency.
If you or someone you know needs to seek asylum, Maranto Law Firm can help. Our firm is backed by 17 years of experience in resolving U.S. immigration cases in Houston, Galveston, and across Southeast Texas.
Attorney Rafael Maranto is someone who has gone through the immigration process himself and thus understands the obstacles and challenges involved. He and his team are dedicated to helping individuals both here and abroad receive the help needed to overcome those obstacles. Their goal is to help you earn the right to remain in the U.S. and continue your immigration journey toward permanent status or even citizenship.
Arrange for a free case evaluation with our Houston asylum attorney. Contact Maranto Law Firm at (855) 961-0601. Hablamos español.
Basics of The Asylum Process
Pursuing asylum in the U.S. is often a challenging and intricate endeavor. At Maranto Law Firm, our dedicated team is here to assist individuals in navigating this complex process with both compassion and expertise. We recognize the difficulties and uncertainties inherent in seeking asylum, and we are steadfast in offering the support and guidance necessary at every stage of your journey.
Key aspects of the asylum process include:
- Evaluating eligibility for asylum
- Preparing and submitting the asylum application
- Attending interviews and hearings with immigration officials
- Navigating the legal requirements and documentation
- Understanding the rights and protections available to asylum seekers
Our seasoned Houston asylum attorneys are committed to championing your rights and assisting you in constructing a compelling asylum case. We pride ourselves on delivering individualized attention and robust legal representation, striving to secure the most favorable outcome for your asylum claim.
Common Reasons to Seek Asylum
Common reasons to seek asylum may include:
- Persecution Based on Race or Ethnicity: Many individuals seek asylum because they are members of a racial or ethnic group that is targeted in their home country. This persecution may manifest as discriminatory laws, violent attacks, or systemic exclusion from society. Asylum offers these individuals a safe haven where they can live without fear of violence or discrimination based on their racial or ethnic identity.
- Religious Persecution: Religious persecution is another common reason individuals seek asylum. In some countries, practicing a particular religion or converting to a different faith can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, torture, or even death. Those who face such persecution due to their religious beliefs can seek asylum in the U.S. to protect their freedom of worship and avoid further harm.
- Political Opinion: In many parts of the world, expressing a political opinion contrary to the ruling government can lead to persecution. This may include harassment, imprisonment, or violence against the individual or their family members. Asylum offers protection to those who have been targeted due to their political beliefs or activities, allowing them to continue their advocacy or simply live in peace without fear of retribution.
- Membership in a Particular Social Group: Individuals who belong to certain social groups, such as LGBTQ+ communities, face extreme risks in countries where such identities are not accepted or are criminalized. Persecution can take many forms, from social ostracism to physical violence or legal penalties. Asylum provides a safe environment for these individuals to live openly and freely, without fear of persecution.
- Gender-Based Persecution: Women and girls in certain countries may face persecution due to gender-based violence, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation, or severe domestic abuse. Such persecution is often systemic and culturally ingrained, leaving the victims with little to no protection within their home country. Asylum can be a crucial means of escape for those facing gender-based violence, offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
What are the Requirements for Asylum?
To be granted asylum in the U.S., you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Fear of persecution: Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate fear of persecution in their home country based on one of the five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
- Timely application: Applicants must apply for asylum within one year of their arrival in the U.S. unless they can show extraordinary circumstances or changed conditions that justify the delay.
- No bars to asylum: Certain factors, such as involvement in the persecution of others, the conviction of a serious crime, or posing a threat to national security, can disqualify an individual from obtaining asylum.
How Do You Seek Asylum?
To seek asylum for individuals who are in the U.S., you must submit a petition called Form-I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within one year of your arrival here. You must also provide supporting documents that demonstrate your eligibility for asylum.
Asylum may also be sought where it is applicable for those facing removal from the U.S. In those cases, an immigration judge will hear your case and determine whether you are eligible.
How Long Does the Asylum Application Process Take?
The timeline for the asylum application process can fluctuate greatly due to various factors. As seasoned Houston asylum lawyers, we recognize that this uncertainty can be particularly anxiety-inducing for applicants. Typically, the process kicks off with the filing of Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
After filing your application, you are typically required to attend a biometric services appointment within a few weeks. Following this appointment, you will receive a notice for your asylum interview, which usually occurs within 21 days for affirmative asylum applications. However, this timeline can be extended significantly due to backlogs at USCIS offices.
During the wait for your interview or hearing, it is essential to keep your documentation in order and maintain regular communication with your attorney. Our approach emphasizes personalized attention for each client, guiding you through the intricacies of the process and ensuring that your case is presented in the most compelling manner possible.
What Is the Difference Between Asylum & Refuge?
While both asylees and refugees are individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution or fear of persecution, the key difference lies in the application process and location:
- Asylees apply for asylum while they are already in the U.S. or at a port of entry.
- Refugees apply for protection while they are outside the U.S., usually through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or a U.S. embassy.
Contact Our Asylum Attorney in Houston Today
An experienced immigration lawyer, such as Attorney Rafael Maranto, can provide valuable assistance during the asylum process. This assistance can include assessing your eligibility for asylum and identifying potential issues that may arise, helping you gather and prepare supporting documents, such as affidavits, expert opinions, and country condition reports, and drafting a comprehensive legal brief that presents a persuasive argument for asylum.
Attorney Maranto can also help you prepare for interviews or hearings with USCIS officers or immigration judges, including guidance on how to answer questions and effectively present your case. For those facing deportation, he will advocate for you during removal hearings to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Contact Maranto Law Firm today to get started with our Houston asylum lawyer.
