Individuals who seek asylum do so to avoid being harmed or killed in their home country. Asylum offers important protections, but the process can be very complicated. Cases are rigorously reviewed, and any mistake, such as inconsistent asylum interview testimony, could lead to serious setbacks. If you or a loved one is seeking asylum, you can work with an experienced Baton Rouge asylum lawyer to protect your rights and interests.
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The immigration attorneys at Sardi Isaza understand the mix of emotions that asylum seekers feel when going through the process of applying for protection. Our dedicated team of lawyers can provide you with the guidance and unwavering support you need to stand the strongest chance of securing asylum status.
What sets our law firm apart is our focus on immigration and asylum cases. Our founding attorneys both emigrated from Colombia and understand the hardships and challenges that immigrants face when seeking protected residency in this country. When you work with our legal team, you are connected directly to one of our lead attorneys who personally manages your case.
Louisiana is a diverse state where around 240,000 residents are foreign-born. Immigrants, including those seeking asylum, are an important part of Baton Rouge’s community. Asylum cases are reviewed by two federal agencies: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Applications are classified as affirmative, meaning the applicant is not in removal proceedings, and defensive, meaning the asylum seeker is currently facing removal proceedings. In 2024, there were 897,633 defensive asylum applications filed, with the main countries of origin for those claims being China, Afghanistan, and Venezuela. The U.S. granted protection to 54,350 asylees in 2023.
To be eligible for asylum in the United States, an individual must be physically present in the country or at a port of entry and meet the definition of a refugee under U.S. law. This means demonstrating that they were persecuted in their country of origin or have a well-founded fear of future persecution due to their membership in any particular group, such as race, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
The form for seeking asylum is Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. An approved application can also allow a spouse or child to gain protections.
Whether you are seeking to remain in Garden District, Capital Heights, or elsewhere in Baton Rouge, seeking asylum can be fraught with challenges if you do not hire an asylum lawyer. Federal asylum laws are stringent and unforgiving. Deadlines must be strictly met, and even small inconsistencies can lead to rejected claims.
When you choose to hire an asylum lawyer, you gain the support and guidance of a trusted advocate who understands the process and how to guide clients through every step. A Baton Rouge asylum attorney can help you gather supporting evidence and address challenges that may arise as your asylum case moves forward. Their unwavering support can better position you for a favorable outcome to your request for asylum.
A: The asylum process does not move quickly. From the beginning to the final resolution, asylum seekers could wait several months or over a year. Affirmative asylum cases filed with the USCIS may involve long wait times for interviews and decisions. Cases that move through the immigration courts can become delayed due to crowded dockets. Individual cases may be slowed by follow-up requests for additional evidence.
A: Being granted asylum in the United States is never easy due to the strict requirements placed on the process. Applicants must clearly show that they were persecuted or would be forced to return home. Strong legal representation can play a crucial role in streamlining the process and reducing the chances of preventable delays.
A: If your asylum application is denied, what happens next depends on how the application was filed. In some cases, a denial may result in a referral to an immigration court. There, the applicant may present the case again before a judge. Other denials may allow for appeals or alternative forms of relief, depending on the individual’s circumstances and immigration history.
A: Once asylum is granted, the asylee may apply for lawful permanent resident status one year after the protection is granted. The application requires continued eligibility and meeting additional requirements. You must be physically present in the United States when you file your I-485. Processing times for green car applications can also vary based on government workload and individual factors.
A: You can improve your chances of gaining asylum by working with an experienced immigration lawyer who understands the asylum process and what types of evidence are needed to be approved for protection as an asylum seeker. While there are no guaranteed outcomes in immigration court, applicants with strong legal representation greatly reduce the chances that they make a preventable error that could harm their case.
Seeking asylum without strong representation could be a regrettable mistake. When you secure representation from Sardi Isaza, you gain the support of advocates who understand the asylum process and what types of evidence are needed to build a strong claim to protection. Our founding lawyers are themselves immigrants from another country, which is one reason why they focus on serving the needs of asylum seekers and immigrants.
Don’t delay starting the process. Once we review your background and the dangers you face in your home country, we can manage your case based on our knowledge of asylum laws. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. To better serve our community, we offer legal services in both English and Spanish.
call us now(225) 223-6300
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