POLITICAL OPINION

Applicable U.S. laws define political opinion in several ways. It can be simple affiliation with a specific political party that opposes or is not recognized by the government, as long as belonging to such a group has resulted in persecution or fear of persecution. For instance, if you can prove that you were punished or are afraid of future punishment because you belonged to or were associated with a political group that speaks out against a dictator or military regime in your country, you may seek asylum based on your political belief.

Another example of political opinion is advocacy for women’s rights in a country where women are still oppressed. If you can prove that you were punished or have a legitimate fear of punishment because you engaged in any form of feminism in your country, you may be able to seek asylum based on political opinion. However, it is important to note that specific proof of the persecutor’s identity and conduct is required in such cases.

In some cases, it may also be possible to seek asylum based on political opinion as defined under relevant U.S. laws if you were punished or fear punishment because you spoke out against domestic violence, or even if you were a victim of domestic violence in your country. For example, you may be able to pursue this remedy if you can prove that your spouse beat you for failing to conform to societal rules — such as wearing certain clothing or behaving in a certain way.

In accordance with relevant U.S. laws, you may also be able to seek asylum based on a political opinion if you can prove that you were persecuted or legitimately fear persecution because you belonged to a labor organization (union) in your country.

The legal definition of political opinion also includes occurrences in which someone working in, affiliated with, or who has knowledge of a government agency, political group, business, or similar organization, reports its wrongful or unlawful conduct to a higher authority. If you can prove that have been punished or have a legitimate fear of punishment because you reported illegal conduct carried out by such a group in your country, you may be eligible for asylum based on political opinion.

In certain circumstances, you may also be able to seek asylum in the United States based on your imputed political opinion. To do so, you must prove that you were persecuted or have a valid fear of persecution because the government or other authorities in your country believed that you held certain views, even if that wasn’t the case.

Finally, there are also some circumstances in which your decision or perceived decision not to align with any political group in your country may also result in harm or reasonable fear of harm. If you can prove that your neutrality resulted in persecution or that you have a valid fear of persecution, you may seek asylum in the United States based on political opinion.

Call today for a free asylum consultation

Because seeking asylum in the U.S. is an incredibly complex process, it is always best to enlist the services of immigration attorneys who specialize in asylum law. At ZontLaw, our lawyers have gained extensive experience in this area while helping clients who have escaped persecution in dozens of countries. Based on this experience, our team recognizes that each case is unique, and acts accordingly. Don’t risk having your application for asylum denied by trying to file it yourself.

 Call the top New York Immigration Attorneys toll-free at 1-888-ZONTLAW / 1-888-966-8529.

Contact Attorney Igor Litvak