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Simplifying Asylum Can Be Challenging
There are many paths to securing legal residency within the United States. Unfortunately, most of these paths have various hurdles that can make the process difficult. Asylum seekers will find their path to legal status is simpler than other paths in some ways — but more challenging in others. So, how can you enhance your chances of success in an affirmative asylum application?
There is no single or simple answer to this question. Like other avenues for establishing legal status in America, certain requirements must be met — and following the process laid out under the law is critical. Fortunately, there are ways that you can improve the odds of your application being approved.
There are no guarantees in immigration law, but the following strategies have proven successful for many.
Understand the Legal Requirements and If You Qualify
Enhancing your chances of a successful affirmative asylum application starts with understanding the process. By fully reviewing the rules and what’s expected of applicants, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the system. This can simplify the process moving forward, but it can also help you avoid wasting time on tasks that may be unnecessary.
That’s because certain individuals will not qualify for asylum — even if they meet all relevant criteria. Some people are considered inadmissible. It’s also the case that certain groups — such as those who allegedly traveled through a “safe third country” — may be unable to seek asylum in America. Unfortunately, these legal requirements can be quite complex.
This is why it’s often advisable to speak with an asylum immigration lawyer. They can help you understand all your options, the potential for inadmissibility waivers, and how to best move forward. However, you should still work to develop a working knowledge of the system.
Make Your Personal Statement as Detailed as Possible
When seeking asylum in the U.S., you’ll have to write a personal statement explaining why you’re afraid to return to your home country. When doing so, you need to be as detailed as possible. Enhancing your chances of a successful affirmative asylum application requires being honest and thorough in your statement.
Remember: you have time to get this right. Make a list of relevant experiences and specific examples of persecution or events that make you fear persecution. Use this list to create a consistent narrative in your statement, and make sure your documents and testimonies support this narrative. Any perceived inconsistencies can harm your credibility.
Dedicate Time to Gathering Strong Evidence
When filing an application for affirmative asylum, you’ll be asked to provide evidence. Unfortunately, some people don’t realize what type of evidence the government wants. This has led applicants to submit applications with little more than news stories and photographs off the web. While this might seem like clear evidence to the average person, the government is anything but average.
Take time to collect and submit any relevant documents — ranging from police reports and medical records to direct evidence of persecution. News articles can be used as evidence, but make sure they are supplemental to your other documentation. You should also try to obtain supporting letters and affidavits from friends, family, witnesses, and experts who can corroborate your story. You want your evidence to be indisputable.
Seek Legal Representation
There is nothing simple about immigration law in America. Even if you spend hours researching strategies for successful affirmative asylum applications, the simple fact is that the American system is dynamic and complex. A single election can immediately upend the processes and rights available to asylum seekers. This is why it’s typically ideal to have legal representation.
An American asylum attorney can help you understand current laws and how to use them to your advantage. Your legal advocate can guide you through the process and help you avoid common mistakes. Even better, they may be able to help you identify pathways to legal status that are more applicable to your situation.
No one is required to hire an attorney for immigration issues, but doing so could greatly improve your chances of success in an affirmative asylum application.
Prepare for the Asylum Interview
When applying for asylum, those who get far enough in the process will have to do an interview. During this procedure, asylum officers will ask questions to judge whether you have a legitimate need to seek refuge in America. It’s important not to treat this as a simple formality or a casual discussion focused on understanding your plight.
The asylum interview will dictate whether you’re able to stay in America legally. Therefore, you should put a lot of work into the process. Engage in mock interviews with your attorney. Study the types of questions typically asked by interviewers. The more prepared you are for this interview, the better chance your affirmative asylum application will get approved.
What’s the Best Asylum Advice? Get Started Now
Applying for asylum in America is a difficult process. However, doing so proactively is much better than waiting for removal proceedings to commence. Contrary to what some politicians may claim, the asylum system in America is meant to protect those who need it the most. If you need such protection, the best advice that anyone can offer is to get started now.
Even if you do everything possible to enhance your chances of success in an affirmative asylum application, the process is still a long one. In fact, some people find themselves waiting years for an answer. This is why you should get started immediately, and if you want to simplify things for yourself, consider working with an immigration law firm when you apply for asylum.
At Espinoza Law Group, we’re committed to helping asylum seekers secure safe haven in our great country. Contact us at 213-510-1624 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
