Asylum & Refugee Protection
Seeking safety and protection in the United States
One-Year Filing Deadline
You must file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States unless you qualify for an exception. Don't wait - contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Protection from Persecution
The United States has a proud tradition of providing refuge to those fleeing persecution. At Vasquez Law Firm, we help individuals and families seek asylum and other forms of humanitarian protection. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of asylum law and will fight to protect you from being returned to danger.
Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who demonstrate that they cannot return to their home country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Our Charlotte immigration attorneys have successfully represented asylum seekers from around the world, including Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. We understand the unique challenges each case presents and work tirelessly to build strong, compelling cases for our clients.
Why Choose Vasquez Law Firm for Your Asylum Case?
- Extensive experience with complex asylum cases and appeals
- Bilingual attorneys who understand cultural sensitivities
- Thorough preparation for asylum interviews and hearings
- Strategic approach to documenting and presenting persecution claims
- Compassionate support throughout the emotional asylum process
Grounds for Asylum
To qualify for asylum, you must demonstrate persecution or fear of persecution based on:
Protected Grounds
- • Race or ethnicity
- • Religion
- • Nationality
- • Political opinion
- • Membership in a particular social group
Types of Persecution
- • Physical violence or torture
- • Threats to life or freedom
- • Unlawful detention
- • Severe discrimination
- • Economic persecution
The Asylum Process
File I-589 Application
Submit detailed application with supporting evidence within one year
Biometrics Appointment
Fingerprinting and background check
Asylum Interview
Detailed interview with asylum officer about your claim
Decision
Grant, referral to immigration court, or notice of intent to deny
Immigration Court (if referred)
Full hearing before an immigration judge
Benefits of Asylum
- Work authorization (EAD) available after 150 days
- Include spouse and unmarried children under 21
- Apply for green card after one year
- Path to U.S. citizenship after five years
- Protection from return to country of persecution
Preparing a Strong Asylum Case
Success in asylum cases often depends on thorough preparation and compelling evidence. Our team works closely with clients to gather crucial documentation, including country condition evidence, medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. We help you articulate your fear of persecution clearly and consistently, preparing you thoroughly for interviews and potential court hearings.
Documentation We Help Gather
- • Country condition reports and news articles
- • Medical and psychological evaluations
- • Police reports and court documents
- • Witness affidavits and letters of support
- • Membership documents for targeted groups
- • Evidence of past persecution or threats
Interview Preparation
- • Mock interviews to practice testimony
- • Consistency review of all statements
- • Cultural context explanation
- • Trauma-informed interview techniques
- • Interpreter coordination if needed
- • Post-interview follow-up and advocacy
Alternative Forms of Protection
Withholding of Removal
Higher burden of proof but no one-year deadline
Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Protection from torture by government or with government acquiescence
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
For nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing conflict
Common Challenges in Asylum Cases
Asylum cases face numerous challenges that require experienced legal representation. Our attorneys are skilled at addressing credibility concerns, overcoming the one-year filing deadline through exceptions, establishing membership in particular social groups, and proving government inability or unwillingness to protect. We also handle complex issues like firm resettlement bars, criminal inadmissibility, and terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds.
Post-Asylum Benefits and Path to Citizenship
Once asylum is granted, you gain significant benefits and protections. You can immediately petition for derivative asylum for eligible family members still abroad. After one year as an asylee, you can apply for a green card (permanent residence). Five years after receiving your green card, you become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Throughout this journey, our firm provides continued support, helping you navigate each step toward permanent security in the United States.
Asylum Success Statistics
94%
Success rate with attorney representation
150
Days until work permit eligibility
1 Year
Until green card eligibility
5 Years
Green card to citizenship
Your Story Matters
Every asylum case is unique. We'll help you tell your story effectively and gather the evidence needed to support your claim for protection.
Schedule Confidential ConsultationSeeking Protection?
Don't face the asylum process alone. Get experienced legal representation.
Free Case EvaluationCritical Deadlines
1 Year
To file asylum after arrival
150 Days
To apply for work permit
1 Year
After asylum to apply for green card