New York Asylum Attorney

If you are at risk of facing persecution in your home country, you may be able to seek asylum in the United States. At Sebastian Simon Law Group, our experienced and compassionate immigration attorney has served clients from across the globe since 2010. He has helped numerous individuals and families secure legal protections to preserve their well-being and livelihoods. For answers to questions about asylum, contact our firm today.

Request a consultation with our  New York asylum lawyer by calling (332) 330-8387 or reaching out online. 

Eligibility for Asylum in the U.S.

You may seek asylum if you would be persecuted in your home country because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or affiliation with a social group. You must not be a U.S. citizen and must be present in the country or at a port of entry to apply. 

Types of Asylum

Two types of asylums are available:

• Affirmative: This is an option if you are not in removal proceedings and want to proactively seek the benefits and protections of asylum
• Defensive: This type of asylum is a defense against deportation and is reserved for those who are in removal proceedings

One of the primary differences between the two asylums is who handles the case. To secure affirmative asylum, you must apply through the USCIS within one year of arriving in the U.S. For defensive asylum, you make your case to an immigration judge in a court setting. 

Key Protections & Benefits of Asylum

Securing asylum provides invaluable protections and benefits, including:

• Protection from removal 
• A social security number and work authorization
• A path to permanent residency (obtaining a green card)
• The ability to petition to bring qualifying family members to the U.S.
• Access to education, healthcare, and other public benefits
• Authorization to travel abroad