Silver Spring Asylum Attorneys

We Proudly Represent Immigrants Fleeing from Persecution

Individuals who fear persecution in their home country from the government or persons or organizations that the government is unable or unwilling to control can petition for asylum in the United States. To be eligible for asylum, petitioners must be targeted for persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Although most individuals must apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States, there are several exceptions to this rule, such as changed conditions in the individual’s home country or extraordinary circumstances that prevented the individual from applying for asylum earlier. If the individual is approved for asylum, they can apply for permanent residency after one year.

Qualifying for Asylum

Our experienced lawyers know what it takes to succeed in asylum cases. We offer comprehensive, personalized legal services to help our clients navigate each phase of the legal process. Persecution against a person or group can take many different forms, including death threats, violence, torture, detention, or economic deprivation. To qualify for asylum, the petitioner must have a “well-founded fear” of persecution if they were to return to their country of origin. Petitioners must also explain the level of persecution they experienced to an immigration judge or officer.

Convention Against Torture (CAT)

The United Nations Convention Against Torture provides crucial protection for people who fear being tortured by the government or a group associated with the government. Individuals are required to demonstrate that they likely will face torture if they return to their home country. Individuals can apply for relief under CAT at any time and regardless of their criminal record.

Withholding of Removal

If an applicant can prove more likely than not that they will face persecution on account of a protected ground if returned to the country of origin, then they can be granted withholding of removal. Although individuals who have been granted withholding of removal can seek work authorization, they can’t petition for adjustment of status to become legal permanent residents or for derivative status for immediate relatives. Anyone who is a persecutor or has been convicted of a serious crime is ineligible for withholding of removal.