Asylum & Protection from Removal
Asylum Attorneys Helping You Seek Safety in the United States
If returning to your home country could put you in danger, you may have options to seek protection in the United States. Asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture address different risks and have different requirements. Understanding those differences is an important first step.
At Konare Law, we help immigrants understand their options, prepare their applications, and present the evidence behind their request for protection. We take time to understand your experiences and explain what the legal process may mean for you and your family.
What Is Asylum, and Who May Qualify?
Asylum is protection for people who have experienced persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
The harm may come from the government or from people the government is unable or unwilling to control. Eligibility also depends on other factors, including filing deadlines, immigration history, and legal restrictions. General insecurity or financial hardship alone does not establish an asylum claim.
An asylum attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your experiences and what evidence may support your case.
Understanding Your Protection Options
- Asylum: If granted, asylum allows you to remain and work in the United States. Eligible family members may qualify for related benefits, and you may later qualify to apply for permanent residence.
- Withholding of removal: This protection generally requires showing that persecution on a protected ground is more likely than not. It prevents removal to the country covered by the order, but does not itself provide a path to a green card or protection for family members. Removal to another country may still be possible.
- Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection: CAT protection requires showing that torture is more likely than not, with the involvement, consent, or acquiescence of a public official acting in an official capacity. Unlike asylum, it does not require a connection to one of the five protected grounds. CAT protection may take the form of withholding or deferral of removal and does not itself provide permanent residence.
These protections are not interchangeable. We review your circumstances to determine which requests may be available and explain the limits of each option.
How Konare Law Helps with Your Case
Preparing a protection claim involves more than completing a form. Our attorneys can help you:
- Review eligibility and deadlines: Assess your immigration history, prior applications, and any upcoming interview or court dates.
- Prepare your account: Organize a clear, truthful explanation of what happened, whom you fear, and why returning may be dangerous.
- Develop supporting evidence: Identify relevant records, witness statements, and information about conditions in your home country.
- Prepare for the legal process: Explain the questions you may face and help you prepare for interviews or hearings.
- Understand next steps: Discuss notices, requests for evidence, and options that may follow a decision.
Some people seek asylum through USCIS, while others raise their claim in immigration court. If you are already facing removal proceedings, learn more about our Asylum in Immigration Court services.
Evidence That May Support Your Request
Every case is different. Depending on your circumstances, useful evidence may include:
- Identity documents and immigration records
- A detailed personal statement and a timeline of events
- Threatening messages, photographs, or other records of harm
- Medical records or police reports, when available
- Statements from witnesses who know what happened
- Reports documenting relevant conditions in your country
If you could not safely obtain documents, explain that to your attorney. We can help you assess what is available and how to address missing evidence without putting you or others at risk.
Questions Immigrants Often Ask
Is there a deadline to apply for asylum?
Generally, you must apply within one year of arriving in the United States. Certain changed or extraordinary circumstances may allow an exception, but timing still matters. Seek legal advice promptly, even if more than a year has passed.
What if I do not qualify for asylum?
Withholding of removal or CAT protection may be available in some cases. Each has separate requirements and limitations. An attorney can review whether these or other forms of humanitarian relief may apply.
Can my family be included?
Certain spouses and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for benefits connected to an asylum case. Withholding of removal and CAT protection do not provide derivative protection for family members. Each person’s situation needs individual review.
Does applying for asylum give me permission to work?
Filing an asylum application does not automatically authorize employment. Some applicants may qualify to apply for a work permit while their case is pending, subject to applicable requirements and waiting periods.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring immigration notices, identification, prior applications, and any documents connected to the harm you experienced or fear. Include upcoming deadlines and court dates. You can still seek advice if you do not have every document.
Talk with Konare Law About Your Options
You do not have to sort through these questions alone. Konare Law can help you understand the protection options that may apply to your circumstances and prepare for the steps ahead.
Call (833) 888-0417 or schedule a consultation to discuss your case.