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Asylum
Protecting Individuals Seeking Safety, Dignity, and Legal Stability
Asylum provides protection to individuals who fear persecution in their home countries based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. For many, it is not simply a legal process—it is a lifeline.
At SJKP LLP, our Asylum practice offers clear, compassionate, and legally rigorous representation for individuals and families seeking refuge in the United States. We guide clients through each stage of the process with a commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and respect.
Our lawyers understand that asylum cases often involve trauma and uncertainty. We focus on providing steady, professional support—avoiding unrealistic promises, but pursuing every legitimate avenue of protection available under U.S. law.
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1. Asylum Eligibility and Legal Framework
Understanding the Foundation of Protection in the U.S.
To qualify for Asylum, applicants must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin. The threat must relate to one or more protected grounds—race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Asylum Legal Basis and Definition
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), asylum is a discretionary form of relief granted to individuals physically present in the United States or arriving at a port of entry who meet refugee criteria. Applicants must show they cannot safely return home because of targeted harm or government inability to protect them.
Asylum Time Limits and Exceptions
Generally, asylum applications must be filed within one year of arrival in the United States. Exceptions may apply in cases involving changed circumstances—such as evolving country conditions—or extraordinary reasons, including illness, trauma, or legal incapacity.
Our attorneys assess each client’s timeline and eligibility carefully to determine whether exceptions can be properly invoked.
2. Asylum Types and Application Pathways
Choosing Between Affirmative and Defensive Asylum
The Asylum process differs depending on whether the applicant initiates the claim voluntarily or is already in removal proceedings. Our team helps determine the appropriate path and prepares tailored documentation for each route.
Affirmative Asylum
Filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), affirmative asylum is for individuals not currently in deportation proceedings. Applicants attend a non-adversarial interview before an asylum officer who evaluates their credibility and supporting evidence.
We assist clients with:
- - Completing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal)
- Gathering country condition evidence and expert reports
- Preparing personal declarations and affidavits
- Mock interview preparation to ensure clear, consistent testimony
Defensive Asylum
Defensive asylum applies when an individual requests protection as a defense against removal before an Immigration Judge in the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). This process is more formal and adversarial.
Our lawyers represent clients throughout hearings, present witness testimony, cross-examine government evidence, and submit legal briefs supporting eligibility for protection under asylum, withholding of removal, or the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
3. Asylum Evidence and Documentation Strategy
Building Credible, Fact-Based Cases
In Asylum matters, evidence plays a decisive role. The outcome often hinges not only on what happened, but how it is documented and presented. Our attorneys work closely with clients to compile persuasive, truthful, and consistent materials that align with their narrative.
Asylum Supporting Evidence
We help clients gather:
- - Identity and travel records (passports, visas, I-94s)
- Proof of persecution (police reports, medical records, photos)
- Country condition reports from reputable sources
- Expert witness statements on political, cultural, or religious contexts
- Personal declarations explaining past experiences and fear of return
Asylum Consistency and Credibility Preparation
Our team conducts detailed preparation sessions to ensure clients can communicate their stories clearly and confidently. We explain the importance of consistency between written materials and oral testimony, a key factor in credibility determinations.
4. Asylum Interview and Hearing Representation
Guiding Applicants Through Each Stage of the Legal Process
The Asylum interview or hearing can be the most stressful part of the process. Our lawyers provide step-by-step support, from initial scheduling to final adjudication. We accompany clients to USCIS interviews or Immigration Court hearings, helping them remain calm, informed, and focused.
Asylum Interview Preparation and Conduct
We simulate interview conditions to familiarize clients with potential questions, officer demeanor, and documentation review procedures. During interviews, we ensure proper interpretation services and procedural fairness.
Asylum Hearings and Appeals
For defensive asylum, our attorneys present arguments before the Immigration Judge and, if necessary, file appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or federal courts. We review transcripts, identify procedural errors, and build appellate strategies grounded in case law and evidence.
5. Asylum Humanitarian and Derivative Protections
Extending Safety to Families and Dependents
Applicants granted Asylum can request protection for qualifying family members, including spouses and unmarried children under 21. We assist clients with derivative asylum petitions and ensure family reunification is pursued efficiently.
Our team also counsels individuals eligible for related humanitarian protections—such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), withholding of removal, or U visas for victims of serious crimes.
Asylum Adjustment of Status and Work Authorization
After one year of being granted asylum, individuals may apply for permanent residency (green card). We handle applications for Form I-485, employment authorization documents (EADs), and advance parole travel documents to ensure stability and integration.
6. Asylum Compliance, Renewals, and Country Condition Changes
Maintaining Legal Status and Future Security
Obtaining asylum is often the beginning of a longer legal journey. Our Asylum practice continues to support clients post-grant, helping maintain valid documentation and preparing for changes in government policy or home-country conditions.
Asylum Status Maintenance and Reentry Considerations
We counsel clients on international travel restrictions, reentry documentation, and maintaining continuous residence required for eventual naturalization.
Asylum in Changed Circumstances
If a country’s conditions deteriorate or new persecution arises, we help clients file motions to reopen or subsequent applications to reflect updated threats.
7. Why Choose SJKP LLP for Asylum Counsel
Professional Guidance with Dignity and Accuracy
At SJKP LLP, our approach to Asylum representation is grounded in balance—legal precision combined with genuine understanding of each client’s situation. We neither overpromise nor underestimate the importance of the process. Instead, we focus on preparation, clarity, and respect.
We offer:
- - Experienced Counsel – Attorneys familiar with asylum interviews, court hearings, and humanitarian relief.
- Personalized Attention – Confidential, compassionate handling of sensitive cases.
- Consistent Communication – Clear updates and honest assessments.
- Comprehensive Support – From filing to post-grant residency and family protection.
For those seeking refuge and safety in the United States, SJKP LLP provides steady, principled, and trustworthy legal advocacy—helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and lawful security.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.
