Skilled Washington, D.C. Immigration Lawyers Help Clients Seek Asylum

Knowledgeable D.C. attorneys assist victims of persecution

The U.S. asylum program exists to offer a safe haven for people who flee persecution in their homeland to pursue a better life. At Morris H. Deutsch, Immigration Attorney in Washington, D.C., we help asylum seekers navigate the steps necessary to obtain lawful permanent residence and permission to work in the United States. Established in 1986, our firm has assisted clients from around the world with the asylum application process so they can find safety in the DC Metro Area and across the United States.

Accomplished legal team helps immigrants establish asylum qualifications

Asylum is a legal protective status made available to people who cannot live in their native country because they suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear that they will suffer persecution. This actual or threatened mistreatment must be based on one of the following characteristics:

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

Persecution can take many forms. It may involve threats of violence, physical or psychological abuse, deprivation of resources, unlawful detention by the government or police, forced labor, forced sterilization, human rights violations or other types of discrimination or harassment.

To be eligible for asylum status, you must either be unable or unwilling to return to your home country.

The number of asylum-related green cards made available to foreign nationals changes every year. One of our qualified attorneys can determine if applying for asylum is the right choice for you, and can explain what other immigration options may be available based on your circumstances.

Supportive lawyers prepare clients for interviews with immigration officers

It is only possible to apply for asylum when you are in the United States. Someone facing persecution who is still in their home country would apply for refugee status. You must file your asylum application within one year of arriving in the country. The steps for seeking asylum include:

• Prepare your application — On Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, you will need to provide information about your personal history, family, background and the persecution you suffered or fear. A person who is eligible for asylum can include their spouse and children on an application.
• Apply for asylum — File Form I-589 with the correct U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. After USCIS receives your application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt and a notice to be fingerprinted at an application support center.
• Background checks — USCIS will run your fingerprints and conduct background and security checks. These checks can confirm your identity and determine whether you have any undisclosed criminal history.
• Interview — You will receive a notice that states when and where to show up for your interview with an asylum officer. An attorney can represent you at the interview, where you will be asked to share the experiences that made you leave your home country. If you include your spouse and children on your application, they will also attend the interview.
• Receive a decision — After reviewing the evidence for your case, USCIS will either grant asylum or issue a Notice of Intent to Deny or a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court. If your petition is not approved, our attorneys can take steps in an effort to reverse that decision.

If a person applies for asylum before being put into removal proceedings, they seek affirmative asylum. Those claiming asylum after having received a Notice to Appear at a deportation action seek defensive asylum. Our firm represents clients in cases involving both types of asylum applications.

Contact respected District of Columbia asylum attorneys for help seeking legal status

The attorneys of Morris H. Deutsch, Immigration Attorney in Washington, D.C. assist asylum seekers with applications and interviews. To schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer, call 202-728-0820 or contact us online.