Asylum Lawyer | Protection for Individuals Facing Persecution
Asylum in the United States is available to individuals who fear persecution in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applying for asylum requires strong evidence, credible testimony, and a well-prepared case that clearly demonstrates the basis of your fear.
At AB Legal Consult, we represent asylum seekers in both affirmative (USCIS) and defensive (immigration court) cases. We help clients present compelling claims with detailed supporting evidence and strategic legal arguments.
What Is Asylum?
Asylum is a humanitarian protection granted to individuals who cannot return to their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution. Those who receive asylum can:
• Live and work in the United States
• Apply for a green card after one year
• Bring eligible family members through derivative asylum
• Obtain safety from deportation
Asylum may be requested inside the U.S. or at a port of entry.
Who Qualifies for Asylum?
To qualify for asylum, the applicant must show:
• A well-founded fear of persecution
• Past persecution or a credible fear of future harm
• Persecution connected to at least one protected ground:
– Race
– Religion
– Nationality
– Political opinion
– Membership in a particular social group
• Inability or unwillingness of their government to protect them
• The harm is severe and targeted
Examples of qualifying situations include:
• Threats or violence from political groups
• Harm due to religious beliefs or practices
• Targeted harm because of gender identity or sexual orientation
• Persecution by gangs or criminal groups when connected to a protected ground
• Ethnic or tribal persecution
• Journalists targeted for reporting
Each case is unique and must be supported with strong evidence.
Types of Asylum Cases
There are two main asylum pathways:
Affirmative Asylum
• Filed with USCIS
• Applicant is not in removal (deportation) proceedings
• Interviewed at a USCIS Asylum Office
Defensive Asylum
• Requested in immigration court
• Applicant is facing removal proceedings
• Case is heard by an immigration judge
We represent clients in both processes.
The Asylum Application Process
Step 1: Preparing the Application (Form I-589)
We gather detailed statements, evidence, and supporting documents to build the strongest possible claim.
Step 2: Submitting the Application
Applicants must file within one year of arriving in the United States unless an exception applies.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
USCIS collects fingerprints and background information.
Step 4: Asylum Interview (Affirmative Cases)
Applicants appear before an asylum officer for a credibility and evidence review.
Step 5: Immigration Court Hearing (Defensive Cases)
If referred to court or already in proceedings, the case is argued before a judge.
Step 6: Decision
If approved, the applicant receives asylum and may later sponsor certain family members.
Evidence Required for Asylum
Strong asylum cases include:
• Personal affidavits detailing the persecution
• Country condition reports
• Medical or psychological evaluations
• Police reports or legal documents
• News articles or human rights reports
• Statements from witnesses or community members
• Documentation showing membership in targeted groups
• Threat letters, messages, or social media evidence
We help structure and present this evidence in a clear and persuasive way.
One-Year Filing Deadline
Asylum applicants generally must file within one year of entering the United States.
Exceptions may apply if:
• Circumstances changed in your home country
• Personal circumstances changed (such as illness or trauma)
• Delays were caused by extraordinary circumstances
We evaluate whether exceptions apply and assist in building the argument.
Withholding of Removal & CAT Protection
Applicants who do not qualify for asylum may still qualify for:
• Withholding of removal
• Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection
These forms of relief offer limited protection but still prevent deportation to dangerous countries.
Common Issues in Asylum Cases
Asylum applications may face challenges due to:
• Inconsistent testimony
• Insufficient supporting evidence
• Missing the one-year deadline
• Prior asylum denials
• Criminal history
• Lack of clear nexus to a protected ground
• Weak or vague personal statements
We identify issues early and prepare solutions to strengthen the case.
How AB Legal Consult Helps With Asylum
We provide full support for asylum seekers, including:
• Detailed case evaluation
• Preparation of Form I-589
• Drafting of personal affidavits
• Collection and organization of evidence
• Country condition research
• Representation at asylum interviews
• Defense in immigration court
• Support for appeals, motions, and related filings
Our goal is to present your story clearly, accurately, and powerfully.
Start Your Asylum Application Today
If you are afraid to return to your home country due to persecution or threats, we are ready to help you seek protection. Our firm provides compassionate, confidential, and strategic guidance through every step of the asylum process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an asylum lawyer.