New Jersey Attorney Helping Foreign Nationals

Refugee & Political Asylum Applicants
People who are unable or unwilling to return to their country of last residence fall into the category of refugees or a political asylum.  Refugees or people seeking political asylum usually do so because of actual past persecution or because they have a good reason to fear or suspect that there will be some kind of future persecution by people of their government or groups that the government are unable or unwilling to control.  This is a complex area of the law, where an interview alone can cause denial of asylum.  It is therefore vital to have an experienced New Jersey immigration attorney assisting you with this type of visa application.

To apply for refugee status, one must be physically outside the United States and the number allowed is limited to a yearly quota set by the U.S. government.  Refugees must have a financial sponsor inside the United States who will pay the cost of travel to the United States and support the refugee once he/she is here.  Refugees will be subjected to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview to determine their eligibility as refugees.

Asylum applicants have no quota, nor is there a need to show a financial sponsor. Otherwise the qualifying requirements are the same as for a refugee. To apply for asylum, the applicant must be physically present in the United States. If an application for asylum is made upon entry to the United States, there will be a an interview to determine if they qualify under the asylum rules.  If the applicant passes the interview, the case will proceed as a normal asylum case.  As of April 1, 1997, asylum applicants must file for Political Asylum within one year of entry to the United States. Asylum applicants are also subject to a second interview. Work authorization will be granted if the asylum application is approved.  After one year, both types may apply for Lawful Permanent Residency.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
The TPS statute and applicable regulations provide eligible foreign nationals from specific countries a temporary stay of removal and employment authorization for a designated period, including extensions. TPS does not lead to permanent resident status like the refugee or political asylum cases can.

Asylum, Refugees or TPS Attorney in New Jersey/New York

These types of cases can be very complex and involve much paperwork and follow-up to complete and receive the requested statuses.  For any immigration processes, there are always going to be questions and complexities with the procedure which can block you from  gaining entry or receiving permanent residency.  If you are a foreign national or a family member of one who is seeking entry into the U.S., contact the Law Offices of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq., P.C. to receive assistance.  Se habla español.