The United States of America has always been a haven for those seeking safety from religious, political, and other types of persecution in their home countries. The U.S. was founded by people who were, themselves, seeking freedom from oppression, and offering that freedom to others is one of our nation’s bedrock principles.

Accordingly, U.S. immigration law provides for refugees and individuals seeking asylum to find safety and have a path to permanent residency and citizenship in the United States. Stein Legal LLC proudly represents refugees and asylees in their efforts to enter, and legally remain, in this country.

Immigration Help for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

The terms “asylum seeker” and “refugee” are commonly used interchangeably, but there are important differences. Both refugees and asylum seekers have fled their home country because of a fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or membership in a particular social group, and have a well-founded fear of returning to their home county.

A person who has entered the United States to escape persecution is an asylum seeker. Once an asylum seeker is granted asylum in the United States, they are referred to as an asylee. An asylee may petition for lawful permanent residency (a green card) after one year and eventually may apply to become a U.S. citizen if all requirements are met.

A person who has fled their home country due to persecution, but has not yet arrived in the United States, is a refugee. In order to legally enter the United States, they must apply for and be granted refugee status. Eventually, like asylees, refugees can obtain a green card and pursue citizenship.

People seeking asylum in the United States must apply for asylum within a year of arriving in the United States and prove to the immigration judge or the Department of Homeland Security that they have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future harm based on protected grounds as enumerated in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In addition, they must show that the authorities were or are unable to protect them from the harm they suffered or fear.

The immigration process for a refugee or asylum seeker is extremely complex. Experienced and compassionate legal representation ensures a much greater likelihood of successfully navigating the process, so that you obtain safety and legal status in the United States.

Every story is different, and so is every path to safety and protection within the United States. At Stein Legal, we tailor our strategies to your unique circumstances, ensuring you feel seen, heard, and fully represented by us throughout the entire case.

Contact Us

To schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys and bilingual team please contact Stein Legal.