What is asylum?
Under U.S. immigration law, a refugee may apply for asylum if he or she has suffered persecution or has a reasonable fear of persecution based on one of the following protected grounds:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Membership in a Particular Social Group
- Political Opinion
An individual may apply for asylum affirmatively (before being placed in removal proceedings) or defensively (while in removal proceedings). However, it is important for a refugee, who wishes to apply for asylum, to act quickly. Generally, an asylum application must be filed within one year of entering the U.S.
Holland Law Firm, PLLC- Houston Asylum Attorney
For individuals fleeing persecution in their home country, asylum is a last chance for safety and refuge. It is crucial to hire an experienced asylum attorney to build the strongest case in support of a grant of asylum. Tatiauna Holland is a skilled immigration attorney based in Houston, Texas.
She proudly represents clients in Houston and throughout all of Texas in immigration matters, including DACA, adjustment of status, naturalization and citizenship, VAWA, U-Visa, and more. Contact the Holland Law Firm, PLLC at (832) 328-7877 or submit an online form to schedule a confidential consultation.
Common reasons a refugee seeks asylum
A refugee may seek asylum if he or she has suffered persecution or has a reasonable fear of persecution. Persecution is defined as "a threat to the life or freedom of, or the infliction of suffering or harm upon, those who differ in a way regarded as offensive".
It is not required that persecution be achieved through physical violence. Courts have established that persecution must be more than mere harassment; however, the Court or Immigration Officer is may consider all of the incidents of persecution cumulatively.
Common examples of persecution include the following:
- Serious Physical Injury (i.e. beatings, kidnapping, etc.)
- Rape or Sexual Assault
- Emotional Trauma (i.e. financial deprivation, refusal of or forced medical treatment, etc.)
The aforementioned examples are non-exhaustive. It is recommended to consult an experienced Houston asylum attorney to fully discuss all of your legal options.
Must an applicant for asylum hire an attorney
An applicant for asylum is not required to hire an attorney; however, it is highly recommended.
Asylum applications are approved on a factual, case-by-case basis. According to a report by TRAC Immigration, less than 30 percent of asylum applications are approved. While not guaranteed, the chances of approval are greater with an experienced immigration attorney.
Additionally, a grant of asylum is discretionary. This means that an applicant can meet all of the criteria for an asylum application; however, the Immigration Judge or Immigration Officer may consider other factors, including criminal history, community service, and more, when determining whether a grant of asylum is appropriate.
Texas Asylum Lawyer
Tatiauna Holland is an experienced immigration attorney. She has successfully handled asylum cases before USCIS and Immigration Courts. If you or a loved one believes that you have a claim for asylum or wish to discuss your options for immigration relief, contact the Holland Law Firm, PLLC at (832) 328-7877 or submit an online form.
The Holland Law Firm, PLLC proudly represents clients in all immigration matters, including asylum, deportation defense, deferred action, U-Visa, Special Immigration Juvenile Visa, T-Visa, and more. Tatiauna Holland and the Holland Law Firm, PLLC represents clients in Houston, Conroe, The Woodlands, Sugarland, and surrounding areas throughout Texas.