Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Or refine your search by selecting a city:
Refine your search by selecting a city.
Asylum is a form of legal protection granted to individuals who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. In the United States, asylum law is governed by federal law, but each state, including Alabama, may have local procedures and organizations that play a role in assisting asylum seekers. While asylum cases in Alabama follow the same federal standards as in other states, accessing resources and navigating the process can present unique challenges in this region.
Seeking asylum is a complex legal process with strict timelines and significant consequences. Here are some common reasons why individuals might require legal assistance when applying for asylum in Alabama:
A skilled immigration attorney can help guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Although asylum law is primarily administered at the federal level, there are local aspects in Alabama that are important for applicants to understand:
Asylum is legal protection granted to people in the United States who have suffered or fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
You generally start by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with USCIS. If you are in removal proceedings, you may apply through the immigration court. You should file as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S.
Yes, you must apply for asylum within one year of your arrival in the United States unless you can prove changed circumstances or extraordinary circumstances that prevented timely filing.
You may apply for employment authorization 150 days after you submit your complete asylum application. You must wait until your work permit is approved to begin working legally.
If your application is denied and you are not in lawful status, you may be placed in removal proceedings. You will have an opportunity to present your case again before an immigration judge and may have the right to appeal.
Alabama does not have its own immigration court. Most cases are assigned to courts in nearby states, such as Atlanta, Georgia. Video hearings may also be used for some cases.
Yes, you can include your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 on your application. If granted asylum, they may also receive protection.
You will need identification, evidence of your claim (such as police reports, medical records, news articles), and any documents requested by USCIS or the immigration court. Documents in languages other than English must be translated.
You are not required by law to have a lawyer, but having one greatly increases the chances of success due to the complexity of asylum proceedings.
If detained, try to contact a family member or an attorney immediately. You have rights, including the right to seek a bond hearing and the right to present your claim for asylum before an immigration judge.
If you need assistance or more information, consider contacting these helpful resources:
If you or a loved one needs legal help regarding asylum in Alabama, the following steps can guide you:
The asylum process can be challenging, but with the right support and preparation, you can take the necessary steps to seek protection and build a secure future in the United States.
