Portland Asylum Lawyer For Refugees
Certain foreign nationals may qualify for asylum/refugee depending on where they are at the time of their application. If an immigrant files while in the U.S. and granted asylum, he/she is called an asylee. If an immigrant files while outside the U.S., he/she is called a refugee.
Frequent Questions About Asylum
Q. Is there a deadline to apply for asylum?
A. To apply for asylum, an immigrant needs to apply within 1 year of his/her arrival to the U.S. If 1 year has gone by since arriving to the U.S., an immigrant cannot apply for asylum unless he/she can show some extraordinary circumstance, or change in circumstances in their home country.
Q. When do I get a green card if granted asylum?
A. If granted asylum, an immigrant may apply for a green card after 1 year.
Q. Can I apply for asylum even if I came to the U.S. illegally?
A. Yes. Irrespective of an immigrant’s status, an immigrant can still apply for asylum.
Q. Can I apply for asylum even if I have a criminal record?
A. If an immigrant has committed a serious crime, it could bar him/her from obtaining asylum status.
Q. Can I apply for asylum even if I have a criminal conviction outside the U.S.?
A. If an immigrant has committed a serious crime, even if outside the U.S., it could bar him/her from obtaining an asylum status.
Q. What evidence is needed to support an asylum application?
A. Applicants must provide credible evidence to support their claim of a well-founded fear of persecution. Working with a knowledgeable Portland asylum lawyer can help ensure your documentation is complete and persuasive.
Q. Can family members be included in my asylum application?
A. Yes. An asylee can include a spouse and any unmarried children under 21 in their asylum application. A skilled asylum lawyer in Oregon can guide you through this process.
Q. Can I travel outside the U.S. after being granted asylum?
A. While an asylee may travel internationally, it is crucial to apply for a Refugee Travel Document before leaving the U.S. Returning to your country of feared persecution could jeopardize your asylum status.
Q. Can I work while my asylum application is pending?
A. Yes. Asylum applicants can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after 150 days of submitting their complete asylum application, provided no decision has been made.
Asylum
An immigrant who files for asylum while in the U.S. is an asylee. An immigrant can avoid removal by applying for asylum due to a well-founded fear of persecution upon returning to their home country. The cause of this fear must be based on political opinion, religious belief, nationality, race, or membership in a particular social group. The criteria to establish a “well-founded fear” are difficult. Granting asylum is solely at the discretion of USDOJ. After one year as an asylee, an immigrant may be eligible to apply for a green card. The number of immigrants granted asylum is subject to quotas. It’s recommended that you contact our Portland asylum lawyers to assist in your application.
It’s important to note that asylum applications are carefully scrutinized by the U.S. Department of Justice. Missteps in the application process can result in delays or denial, which is why it’s critical to work with a trusted Portland asylum lawyer. Our lawyers have extensive experience navigating the asylum process, from preparing evidence to representing clients during interviews and hearings.
Refugee
An immigrant who files for asylum from outside the U.S. is a refugee. Usually, a refugee applies for asylum outside the U.S. in a refugee camp. A refugee can apply for asylum due to a well-founded fear of persecution in his/her home country. The cause of this fear must be based on political opinion, religious belief, nationality, race, or membership in a particular social group. Usually, the process for refugees is quicker than asylees. This is because they do not have to prove their status as a refugee since it is already determined while outside the U.S.
Portland Asylum Lawyer for Refugees
When seeking safety and protection through asylum, having an experienced Portland asylum lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Certain foreign nationals may qualify for asylum or refugee status depending on their circumstances. If an immigrant files while in the U.S. and is granted asylum, they are called an asylee. If an immigrant files while outside the U.S., they are called a refugee.
Becoming a refugee often involves enduring significant hardship. Refugees typically file for asylum from outside the U.S., often while living in a refugee camp. The determination of refugee status is based on the same grounds as asylum: fear of persecution due to political opinion, religious belief, nationality, race, or social group membership.
Our asylum lawyers in Portland and Beaverton understand the unique challenges refugees face and can help you or your family members navigate the process with compassion and care.
Withholding of Removal
An immigrant who files for asylum from outside the U.S. is a refugee. Usually, a refugee applies for asylum outside the U.S. in a refugee camp. A refugee can apply for asylum due to a well-founded fear of persecution in his/her home country. The cause of this fear must be based on political opinion, religious belief, nationality, race, or membership in a particular social group. Usually, the process for refugees is quicker than asylees. This is because they do not have to prove their status as a refugee since it is already determined while outside the U.S.
Withholding of removal offers another layer of protection for individuals who fear returning to their home country. Unlike asylum, withholding of removal does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or allow family members to be included. It is also more difficult to obtain because the applicant must prove that it is “more likely than not” they would face persecution.
Consulting with an experienced asylum lawyer in Portland can help you determine if withholding of removal is the best option for your situation.
Convention Against Torture (CAT) Protections
An immigrant who files for asylum from outside the U.S. is a refugee. Usually, a refugee applies for asylum outside the U.S. in a refugee camp. A refugee can apply for asylum due to a well-founded fear of persecution in his/her home country. The cause of this fear must be based on political opinion, religious belief, nationality, race, or membership in a particular social group. Usually, the process for refugees is quicker than asylees. This is because they do not have to prove their status as a refugee since it is already determined while outside the U.S.
Protections under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) are specifically designed for individuals who fear they will face torture if returned to their home country. To qualify for CAT relief, applicants must prove that government officials—or those acting with government consent—are likely to carry out or permit acts of torture.
Obtaining CAT relief is complex, but an experienced Beaverton asylum lawyer can provide expert guidance to present a strong case.
Benefits of Hiring a Portland Asylum Lawyer
Navigating the asylum and refugee process can feel overwhelming, especially when facing language barriers, cultural differences, and the trauma of past experiences. A dedicated Portland asylum lawyer can provide clarity, support, and expert legal representation to increase your chances of success.
Our Portland-based asylum lawyers are deeply familiar with U.S. immigration laws and have a proven track record of helping individuals and families achieve safety and stability through asylum, refugee status, or other protections.
Contact an Immigration Attorney
If you or a loved one needs help obtaining asylum in the U.S., then please call Bailey Immigration’s asylum lawyers to discuss your case. We are located in Portland and Beaverton Oregon, but we also serve people around the world with their U.S. Immigration needs. Call today: 866-521-6422