Maison Law Immigration is dedicated to supporting your family throughout the entire immigration process, including seeking asylum in California. We understand the importance of having a safe place to go free of persecution and other discrimination, and we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and explore your options.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for Asylum?
Deciding whether to hire an immigration lawyer for asylum depends on your individual circumstances. While you can apply for asylum without legal assistance, having our experienced team can significantly boost your chances of success. We can:
- Guide you through the application process
- Gather and organize necessary documentation
- Prepare you for interviews
- Provide representation in court, if needed
Having a lawyer isn’t required, but given the challenges that come with the asylum process, leveraging our experience can be a crucial advantage in going through the application process and many of the other challenges that you face.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements For Seeking Asylum in California?
The first major question you probably have if you’re thinking about asylum involves whether or not you meet the requirements. The asylum process is only available under certain conditions. So, in order to meet eligibility requirements, people seeking asylum in California must show the following:
- Present in the U.S. – You must be physically present in the United States or arriving at a “port of entry”, whether that be a border crossing, airport, or seaport.
- Fear of persecution – You have to show that you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on at least one of the following grounds:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership in a particular social group
- Evidence – You need to provide evidence that you have been persecuted or have a genuine fear of future persecution in your home country. This can include personal testimony, witness statements, emails, police reports, social media posts, or anything else that shows this.
Generally, you must file for asylum within one year of your last arrival in the United States. Exceptions may apply if you can demonstrate changed circumstances affecting your eligibility or extraordinary circumstances that caused the delay in filing.
There’s a few other important aspects of the process as well. You can’t have resettled in another country prior to your entry to the U.S., and you must not be barred from asylum for reasons like:
- Involvement in persecution of others
- Criminal activity
- Posing a security threat to the United States
With these eligibility requirements met, you can start thinking about the actual process. It starts with filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. Then, be ready for a potential interview with USCIS, background checks, and biometric scanning.
Why Should You File for Asylum to Come to California?
Obviously, if your situation is dire enough that you’re thinking about asylum in California or somewhere else in the United States, you’re probably facing significant challenges. At the same time, given the immigration options available to you, you might be wondering if you should even file for asylum. The answer depends on your circumstances, but here’s a few reasons why you should file for asylum in California:
- Diversity – California is home to a large, diverse immigrant population, providing a supportive environment for asylum seekers–who are fleeing their home country because of persecution and discrimination.
- Economic opportunities – California’s robust economy offers numerous job opportunities across various industries, aiding you in resettlement and economic stability.
- Social services – California provides a range of some of the best social services in the world, from healthcare and education, to help asylum seekers integrate and thrive once they’re here.
- Support systems – Numerous advocacy groups and support networks in California can help you or other asylum seekers with resources and community connections. It can also give you the opportunity of being with family members and other support systems.
Seeking asylum in California can be a huge step in re-establishing your life. That opportunity, then, is not one to be taken for granted. Getting help from our California immigration lawyers can make all the difference in the success or difficulty you’ll face with the process.
Dedicated Support for Your Asylum Journey to California
At Maison Immigration, we are committed to helping you achieve a successful asylum application, no matter your situation. If you need additional assistance, we are here to support you. The journey of the immigration process can be challenging, especially if you face persecution and danger in your own country. We take pride in providing the necessary support for our clients. Contact us today to learn more about asylum and other immigration programs and to set up a consultation.