ASYLUM UNDER RELIGION GROUNDS
SEEKING RELIGIOUS ASYLUM IN THE U.S.
Freedom to practice religion or not to practice religion, is the fundamental right that the United States was founded on. Thus, it is no surprise that U.S. asylum law accomodates individuals that have been persecuted on this ground, or that fear future persecution on the basis of freedom.
In fact the U.S. government takes this freedom so seriously that it created an independent, bipartisan group called the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). This commission is tasked with monitoring and defending religious freedom around the world. In turn, the U.S. President, Congress and Secretary of State create new policies and amend existing policies based on its findings and advice.
Therefore, if you can prove that you have been persecuted, or have a reasonable fear of being persecuted based on your religion/religious practices, or decision not to engage in religious practices in your country, you may be able to seek asylum in the United States.
To understand the legal definition of religious persecution in the context of U.S. asylum and immigration law, you must also understand how the U.S. government defines religion. For these purposes, the term is applied to both globally recognized and lesser known types of faith and worship.
Because this definition is so broad, there are few restrictions on who may apply for asylum in the Unites States based on religious persecution or a viable fear of such persecution in their country. But that doesn’t mean the government will actually grant asylum to everyone who applies for this reason. Instead, each application is assessed individually and a determination is made based on its merits.
To receive asylum based on this ground, you must successfully demonstrate that the government, authorities, or other relevant people or organizations in your country persecuted you because of your religious beliefs and practices or lack thereof. If you haven’t been persecuted for these reasons, you must prove that you have a legitimate fear of being persecuted if you are forced to return to your country.
Persecution in this context is usually defined as any type of physical brutality, psychological torture or activity that limits your ability to provide for your family. However, it can also be defined as the creation and enforcement of any law that specifically targets the religious group you are affiliated with and such laws have a dramatic effect on your way of life. Examples of such laws include those that prohibit membership in the group you are affiliated with; disallowing or restricting public worship; and/or mandating conversion to another religion.
With so much at stake, it’s important to consult a knowledgable asylum attorney before you decide to seek asylum based on past religious persecution or legitimate fear of future religious persecution in your country. To learn more about whether this is a viable option for you, contact us today.
Call today for a free asylum consultation
If you’re seeking asylum in the United States based on religious persecution or any other grounds, don’t leave anything to chance. Call our office to schedule a meeting with one of our highly-experienced asylum attorneys who can assess your circumstances and device the best legal strategy to meet your needs. You can reach us at (888) ZONTLAW / (888) 966-8529.
Can I ask for political asylum from outside the US?
NO. To apply for political asylum, you must be in the United States (embassies or diplomatic missions outside the US will not help you in this matter). Being outside the US, you can only apply for refugee status and this procedure is also a complicated procedure.
Can I apply for asylum when crossing the border?
This is possible, and such cases often occur at the border crossing with Mexico. The application directly on the border is an extreme measure. A very important point is that when you cross the border without the necessary permission (US visa) and asylum application, you are most likely to be detained and placed in an immigration prison where you will conduct initial inquiries and check all the facts you previously stated . The decisions of the border service can be delayed for weeks or even months.
Can I apply for political asylum if I am illegally in the US?
You have the right to defend and examine your application, even if you are in an illegal status. It is very important that this happens in the first year of your stay in the country. Otherwise, you have to argue, there are compelling reasons why you did not do this before.
How long does it take to get an interview for asylum?
Beginning on January 29, 2018, the Immigration Department for Asylum (USCIS Citizenship and Immigration Service Group) will give priority to the newest applications when assigning interviews. Such a change in the schedule of interviews will make it possible to weed out those applicants who use groundless statements and try to use this process solely to obtain a work permit and will enable the USCIS to immediately identify such persons and begin the process of their deportation. In reality, the new Priority will allow the USCIS to make decisions on qualified asylum seekers more quickly and efficiently.
Can I apply for asylum with a minimum of materials, and send documents and evidence after I apply?
It is possible, but we do not recommend it. In cases where you sent an off-the-shelf petition, the fact of not being prepared may negatively affect your interview and raise suspicions about the reliability of the information provided earlier.
Is it possible to apply for political asylum without a lawyer?
Some apply for political asylum on their own, filling out Form I-589 and attaching a declaration. Applicants, who apply for political asylum in the US do not need to hire a lawyer and an interpreter to apply for political asylum in the United States. But you need to consider important points: 1. Immigration Attorneys analyze the facts of persecution, apply immigration laws to the facts. 2. Attorneys help applicants to fillout the necessary immigration forms and not make any mistakes in their filing. 3. Attorneys help Applicants prepare for the interview, correctly write a declaration, collect documents. 4. Attorneys have the right to intervene in the process by using immigration law at all stages of the proceedings. 5. Attorneys can help find an interpreter and represent refugees in interviews and in the process of deportation to the immigration court. When your future is at stake, you need to weigh everything for and against the participation of a Attorneys in your process. Consult the Immigration Attorneys – Here
Contact Attorney J.Greenberg
ONE OF OUR LEGAL SERVICES: ATTORNEY APPLICATION REVIEW
THE TRADITIONAL LEGAL SERVICE: FULL ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION
APPLICATION REVIEW
- Check Your Eligibility
- Attorney’s Consultation(s) (The lawyer will guide you through the application process)
- Less Questions, Faster Application (Easy-To-Use Software To Fill Out Immigration Forms)
- Instant Alerts Help You Avoid Mistakes (Automatic Help and Tips on Complicated Questions; Instant Alerts To Help Avoid Mistakes; Automatic Help and Tips on Complicated Questions)
- Technical Support (Access And Share Your Completed Forms After You File)
- Ensures Completeness (Instant Alerts To Help Avoid Mistakes)
- Documents checklist (Personalized Supporting Documents and Evidence Checklist)
- Personalized Instructions (Personalized Guidance And Instructions On Where To File)
- Case submission (Automatic Case preparation guidance)
- Case Status Online Check (Link to case Updated)
- Shipping Label With Tracking Number
ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION
- Check Your Eligibility
- Attorney’s Consultation(s) (The lawyer will guide you through the application process)
- Less Questions, Faster Application (Work with your lawyer to prepare your application)
- Instant Alerts Help You Avoid Mistakes (After your lawyer reviews your forms, they’ll call you to discuss any errors or answer your questions about your forms)
- Technical Support (Access And Share Your Completed Forms After You File)
- Ensures Completeness (Once it’s complete, Attorney do a final review and file the paperwork with the US government on your behalf)
- Documents checklist (Work with your lawyer to prepare your application)
- Personalized Instructions (Personalized Supporting Documents and Evidence Checklist)
- Case submission (Your attorney will give you a checklist and guide you through the process collecting supporting evidence)
- Case Status Online Check (Work with your lawyer to prepare your application)
- Preparation for Immigration Interview (Your lawyer will file the application on your behalf)
- Immigration Interview appearance ** (Included case by case and location)
- Shipping Label With Tracking Number
MORE FEATURES
100% Secure
We use most advanced security measures to protect your personal data and documents. We never release your information to anyone.
Where and what
Personalized Guidance and USCIS Fees and Instructions on where to file, free shipping label to USCIS
Up-to-date Forms
Our experienced immigration professionals check the website content daily to keep up with changes in laws or forms required.
Comprehensive forms
Answer a few simple questions and our innovative system will generate a complete form and ready to be presented
Error Checking
Our team of professionals will check all your answers to make sure that they are accurate, complete and ready to be submitted
Evidence Checklist
Once you assemble and upload all required documents, we will check if the evidence is correct and will provide a cover letter.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Zontlaw Julia Greenberg Immigration Attorney
1733 Sheepshead Bay Road Suite 22, Brooklyn
-
4 months ago
All through our immigration process, which took about 5 years, Julia Greenberg demonstrated professionalism, exemplary work ethics and deep knowledge of immigration law. She was always available and provided thought through answers to our … More multiple questions. In my opinion, what really distinguishes Julia from other immigration lawyers we have worked with is that she is willing to go the extra mile for her clients. The fact that the prosecutor in our case complimented Julia for her outstanding effort serves as the best proof of her professionalism.
-
3 months ago
This firm is just amazing ! I wouldn’t have picked a better immigration lawyer. Julia is amazing she is very understanding and took care of my husbands and I case very throughly. My case was a bit complicated and she helped us manage it … More . She helped us prepare very well . Julia was also very responsive at all times . I recommend her team in a heart beat to anyone who needs help in immigration matters. Amazing results!
-
9 months ago
I am an athlete whose I-140 was initially denied by the USCIS. I was lucky to find Julia, who in just couple of days was able to correct my case and gather, review necessary documents and file a timely appeal. In just 3 months after she … More did it, my case was approved. Thanks to Julia I am now designated to be extraordinary in the eyes of USCIS.
Totally recommend you guys to contact Julia, she is the best Lawyer as good person. -
10 months ago
Julia is fantastic! She is efficient, honest and trustworthy! Our case was lost and after countless attempts to reach USCIS, I finally called Julia. She managed to resolve our issue very fast. I highly recommend Julia and her team!
-
a year ago
Julia is a lawyer with a big heart.
I worked with Julia directly. Calls, correspondence were only with her. I felt strong support. It is very difficult to find a lawyer who are really involved in your case. But Julia is the right lawyer. … More With her you are in good hands.
As Julia says, I will fight to the end. -
11 months ago
It was a pleasure working with Julia! She is a very professional immigration layer and is very responsive, which was very important to us.
Julia helped us with the citizenship case delay and picked up the marriage case. Both cases were … More successfully completed by her, while the previous layer has failed to do.
Highly recommended! -
9 months ago
Highly recommended!!!!
100% professional attorney! She knows her job!
Amazing lawyer and just a VERY pleasant person☺️
If you have any questions regarding immigration - just call to Julia Greenberg!
I am very thankful for her🤩🤩🤩
I wish … More all the best and good luck 🌞
