How to Find Lawyer for an Asylum Application in the USA? Applying for asylum in the United States is a complex process that requires extensive legal assistance. Finding the right lawyer to handle your asylum case is crucial for increasing your chances of being granted asylum. This comprehensive guide explains the asylum application process, qualifications for asylum lawyers, and tips for finding the best legal representation for your case.
Overview of Asylum Application Process
To obtain asylum in the U.S., you must first file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within one year of your last arrival in the U.S. The application requires you to provide detailed documentation describing why you are seeking asylum, based on a fear of persecution in your home country on account of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
You will be required to submit documentary evidence to corroborate your story, such as medical records, birth or marriage certificates, affidavits from witnesses, and human rights reports. If the Asylum Officer finds your fear of persecution to be credible, you will be scheduled for an asylum interview. A lawyer can help prepare and guide you through this complex process.
If the asylum application is denied, an attorney can represent you in appealing the decision before the immigration court system. Securing an experienced asylum lawyer early on can make all the difference in achieving a successful case outcome.
Qualifications To Look For In An Asylum Attorney
Immigration Law Expertise
It is essential to find a licensed attorney who specializes in immigration and asylum law. Verify they are licensed to practice law in your state. Beware of notarios, visa consultants, or others posing as lawyers. You want an actual qualified immigration attorney.
Experience Handling Asylum Cases
Choose an attorney with extensive experience specifically representing asylum seekers from your country. Ask how many asylum cases they’ve worked on and their success rate. Representing asylum seekers requires specialized legal knowledge and skills you want your attorney to possess.
Knowledge Of Home Country Conditions
Select a lawyer with expert-level knowledge of political, social, and human rights conditions in your home country. They should demonstrate familiarity with the dangers and persecution faced by people in your circumstances. This level of insight is needed to build a strong, credible case.
Language Skills
A lawyer who is fluent in your native language or has interpreters available enables clear communication critical for case preparation. Cultural competency is also important to understand your unique situation.
Strong References From Prior Clients
Ask trusted contacts or refugee aid organizations to refer attorneys with a proven track record successfully representing asylum applicants from your country. Former clients can provide invaluable firsthand reviews regarding lawyer competency, responsiveness and overall experience.
Tips For Finding The Right Asylum Lawyer
Consult Free Legal Aid Organizations
Many non-profit legal aid societies provide free assistance locating pro bono asylum attorneys. These organizations maintain databases of immigration lawyers and have relationships enabling discounted fee arrangements.
Contact National Asylum Advocacy Groups
Reputable national legal networks such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association and specialized asylum-focused groups maintain referral directories you can search to find experienced local lawyers.
Research Lawyers Through AILA’s Online Database
The American Immigration Lawyers Association offers an online directory allowing you to search for lawyers by location and asylum expertise then review firm profiles, client reviews and contact info.
Look For Non-Profit Immigration Law Firms
Seek out legal non-profits with asylum/refugee assistance missions, like HIAS, Immigration Advocates Network or Human Rights First. They typically have staff attorneys well-versed in asylum cases or partnerships with immigrations firms who may provide discounted services.
Inquire At Your Local Immigration Court
The court clerk at the immigration court nearest you may know local attorneys taking asylum cases. Lawyers frequently interact with immigration courts and often receive client referrals this way.
Search Online Legal Directories
Websites like Lawyers.com and Justia allow keyword searches to find lawyers by expertise areas and geographic location along with contact forms to request case evaluations.
Verify Immigration Attorney Discipline History
Once identifying candidate asylum attorneys, always verify their standing and discipline history through resources like the State Bar Association before retaining their services to avoid being victimized.
FAQs on Find Lawyer for an Asylum Application
Who qualifies to apply for asylum?
To qualify for asylum in the U.S. you must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Asylees can then receive lawful permanent U.S. residence status.
When should I look for an asylum lawyer?
You should retain an asylum attorney as soon as possible when preparing your asylum application to maximize your chances of success. Every detail of your application needs proper documentation and presentation of credible reasons fearing return to your country.
How much does an asylum lawyer cost?
Asylum lawyer fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 though some attorneys provide pro bono or sliding scale services based on your ability to pay. Get fee estimates upfront and inquire if payment plans are available.
Should I avoid lawyers charging for asylum application forms?
Yes, avoid any lawyers attempting to charge excessively for USCIS forms which should be provided for free. This signals potential problems with overcharging or even fraud.
What questions should I ask when interviewing asylum lawyers?
- How many asylum cases have you successfully handled?
- What percentage of your asylum clients were granted asylum?
- Are you knowledgeable regarding conditions in my home country?
- Do you speak my native language or have interpreter services?
- May I have references from past asylum clients?
