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.

Get Started

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.

Timeline Do I Qualify? Instruction for I-589 Where to file? Preparing for interview

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.

Contact Attorney J.Greenberg ⚖️

ONE OF OUR LEGAL SERVICES: ATTORNEY APPLICATION REVIEW

THE TRADITIONAL LEGAL SERVICE: FULL ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION

APPLICATION REVIEW

$699

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

GET STARTED

ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION

$4899

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

GET STARTED

More Features

100% Secure

Where and what

Up-to-date Forms

Comprehensive forms

Error Checking

Evidence Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW OUR LEGAL SERVICES WORK

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW OUR LEGAL SERVICES WORK

PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES

She was perfect! It was such a luck to have Julia Greenberg referred to me by my acquaintance. She is the most caring and helpful attorney I have ever worked with. She is very professional and knowledgeable in the immigration law, and she gave me great advice! I appreciate most that she is always available by phone or returns missed calls shortly – this is something that many attorneys in NYC do not do or have their assistants do who never give the correct answer. I approached Julia to help me prepare for my citizenship interview since I had, frankly speaking, not an easy case, and she did the best job I could expect. I could not imagine how my interview would have gone without her; her support was significant! If I ever have a question about any immigration matter I would definitely ask Julia for help again. Awesome

Anya Shapkina on July 6, 2017

Julia Greenberg helps me during the interview process and advises me on the process followed. She is very supportive and handles. She impressed me not only with the professionalism, but also with the art of communication as an outstanding attorney.She is quick to respond to any question that I have. Julia has helped me every step of the way with my case. Thank you!!

Alie Keshfedinova

Julia is very professional, competent and knows how to get the best deal for her clients. What we appreciated about her service was that she always answered our calls or got back to us in a very short amount of time. We had a very stressful issue with the officer but Julia was able resolve it and have our case successfully processed the same day. We could have not done it without her. She is a smart lawyer and a great negotiator with a wonderful personality. Hire Julia Greenberg if you want to get a real result!

Alesya