Asylum & Refugee Requests in New Jersey

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 political asylum seekers . People normally seek asylum or refugee status 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 from their government or groups that the government is 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 lawyer assisting you with this ty pe of visa application and help you avoid deportation.

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 th is country and support the refugee once he or she has arrived. 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 for a financial sponsor. Otherwise the qualifying requirements are the same as for a refugee. To apply for asylum, the applicant may be inside or outside the United States. If an application for asylum is made upon entry to the United States, there will be an interview to determine eligibility for asylum. If the applicant passes the interview, the case will proceed as a normal asylum case. As of April 1, 1997, an application for Political Asylum must be filed within one year of entry to the United States. 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 provides 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 refug ee or political asylum statuses do.

New Jersey Immigration Lawyer

These types of cases can be complex and involve much paperwork, documentation and follow-up to receive the requested statuses. By failing to properly handle the application you may be denied despite having a genuine case and be sent back to the country you tried to flee. At the Law Offices of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq., P.C. we have been handling cases like yours since 1987 and we know how dire your situation may be. There are many reasons to hire an immigration attorney, especially in serious cases like asylum and refugee status. You will receive caring and personal attention from our team and we will work hard to help you earn the right to stay safely in this country. Se habla español.

Contact a New Jersey immigration attorneytoday for knowledgeable legal help with your asylum, refugee or TPS situation.