New York Asylum Lawyer

Asylum Lawyer in New York

For those fleeing persecution and seeking protection, a friendly face committed to fighting for the right to live free from fear can be a beacon of light in the dark.

That’s what drives the New York asylum lawyers at Urena & Associates.

Whether you’re seeking asylum or refugee status, our team will fight tirelessly so that you and your family can start to rebuild your life in the safe haven of the United States, enjoying many of the same benefits available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

Key Takeaways: Seeking Asylum in New York

Asylum may protect people in the United States who fear persecution based on a legally protected ground.
An asylum claim may be filed affirmatively with USCIS or defensively during removal proceedings.
Form I-589 generally must be filed within one year of arriving in the United States unless an exception applies.
Detailed testimony, supporting records, and country-conditions evidence can be important to a successful claim.

Can Our New York Asylum Lawyers Help You?

At Urena & Associates, we help large numbers of people seeking protection from persecution based on their race, religion, nationality or membership in a social or political group.

This includes:

Individuals currently in the U.S. and fearing return to their home country.
Undocumented individuals seeking to remain in the U.S.
Political dissidents, religious minorities, survivors of gender-based violence, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
People at the U.S. border seeking protection.
Refugees seeking resettlement support.

Benefits of Working with Our New York Asylum Attorneys

When you choose Urena & Associates as your asylum lawyer, you're not just getting legal paperwork done – you're gaining a partner dedicated to your future. Here are three life-changing benefits you can expect from our representation:

Secure Your Future & Safety: We fight tirelessly to win you asylum protection, so you and your family can live safely in the U.S. without fear. Our experienced team increases your chances of success, which means a greater likelihood of obtaining asylum status, a path to a green card, and eventually citizenship. With us, you gain the security of knowing you won’t be forced back to the dangers you fled.
Peace of Mind During a Stressful Process: Navigating immigration laws and asylum applications is stressful, but we make it easier. By handling the complex forms, evidence gathering, and legal deadlines, we lift the burden off your shoulders. You won’t lie awake worrying if you did everything correctly – our attorney will ensure nothing is overlooked. This gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on rebuilding your life, not wrangling with bureaucracy.
Personal Empowerment & Support: Our compassionate, client-focused approach means you will never feel alone. We keep you informed at every step, answer all your questions, and treat your story with respect and care. With an approachable asylum lawyer who truly listens, you’ll feel supported and empowered throughout the process. This guidance and encouragement help transform a frightening journey into one you can face with confidence.

Already Facing Removal Proceedings? You may still be able to seek asylum as a defence against removal. Get legal guidance before filing documents or appearing before the immigration court.Contact us to review your legal options.

Legal Services for Asylum & Refugee Applicants

The asylum and refugee attorneys at Urena & Associates provide the following legal services for individuals seeking protection in the United States:

Assessment of eligibility for individual asylum or refugee status.
Preparing and filing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal).
Preparation for and representation at asylum interviews and immigration court.
Country conditions research and documentation gathering.
Appeals and motions to reopen/reconsider.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) guidance (if applicable).
Post-asylum services (Green Card application, family reunification, etc.)

With our experience in helping asylum seekers and refugees from all backgrounds enter and remain in the U.S. legally, and our deep understanding of local USCIS and EOIR procedures, the asylum lawyers and refugee status attorneys at Urena & Associates can help you and your family plan for the future.

Our multilingual and culturally sensitive team is waiting to hear from you.

FAQs

What is Asylum and Refugee Status?

Asylum and refugee status grant protection from persecution due to race, religion, nationality or membership in a social or political group.

To obtain either status, refugees and asylees must prove that they are eligible for protection under U.S. law. However, the eligibility criteria and application processes with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) differ.

How to Obtain Asylum in the U.S.

Asylum is a form of protection granted to people already in the United States.

Affirmative asylum is for those seeking refuge from potential persecution in their home country and defensive asylum is for those placed in removal proceedings and seeking to remain in the U.S. at Immigration Court.

Affirmative asylum applications are submitted to the USCIS from within the U.S. after arriving at a port of entry.
Applicants are required to file the online Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) within one year of arriving in the U.S.
Spouses and children (under 21 and unmarried) can be included as dependents on an asylum application.
Credible fear interviews, background checks, and hearings before a judge or immigration board are required.

Applicants can remain in the United States pending asylum approval.

How to Acquire Refugee Status in the U.S.

Refugee status is only conferred on individuals outside of the United States and is usually for those who have fled their home country, granting them protections due to a special humanitarian concern of the U.S. government.

Eligible applicants must have experienced persecution or have a reasonable fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a social group.
Applicants must not have settled in another country.
Applicants must be admissible to the U.S.
Applicants should first register with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) in the country that they have fled to.
Applicants must receive a referral to the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to be considered as a refugee.
Applicants must attend appointments for data collection, an interview with the USCIS, and a medical examination if approved.
Refugee status grants the immediate eligibility to work indefinitely (Green Card application status after one year).

Both asylum and refugee status applications can be complex, especially when English is not your first language.

The experienced immigration attorneys at Urena & Associates have helped many migrants navigate the application processes to remain legally in the United States.

What rights come with asylum?

Individuals granted asylum can remain in the U.S. indefinitely (or until the conditions in their home country return to normal), apply for a work permit, petition for family members to join them, apply for a Green Card after one year, apply for citizenship five years after the Green Card application, and access social services and assistance.

What rights do refugees enjoy in the U.S.?

Individuals granted refugee status can remain in the U.S. indefinitely (or until the conditions in their home country are normal again), seek work, receive government support in the first months after arrival, bring close family members to the U.S., apply for a Green Card after one year in the country, and apply for U.S. citizenship five years after that.

How long does the asylum process take?

The initial application for an affirmative asylum application must be filed within a year of entry to the U.S. Applicants typically wait several months to several years for an interview, depending on the jurisdiction (NYC courts are usually the most backlogged), and then await a decision that can take anywhere from a few weeks to many more months.

You do not have to navigate the asylum process alone. Ureña & Associates can assess your eligibility, prepare your application and supporting evidence, and represent you before USCIS or the immigration court. Contact the firm for a free, confidential consultation.

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Have an immigration or citizenship related question or concern? We would love to hear from you. Contact us today and we will respond as soon as possible.

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By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Ureña & Associates at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy