Political Asylum & Humanitarian Relief
Seeking asylum in the United States can provide life-saving protection for individuals who have been persecuted or who fear persecution in their home country. Because U.S. asylum law is highly complex and continues to evolve through federal legislation, agency policy, and court decisions, it is essential to have experienced legal representation throughout the process.
At the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C., we represent individuals seeking protection through Affirmative Asylum, Defensive Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Our office provides compassionate, strategic, and individualized legal representation for those fleeing persecution and seeking safety in the United States.
A person may qualify for asylum if they are unable or unwilling to return to their home country because they have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution on account of one or more protected grounds recognized under U.S. immigration law, including:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political Opinion
- Membership in a Particular Social Group
Determining whether an individual qualifies for asylum often requires careful legal analysis. Issues such as the definition of a "particular social group," government involvement or inability to protect, internal relocation, credibility, changed country conditions, and statutory filing requirements are frequently the subject of litigation before the Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and the federal courts.
Applicants generally must file for asylum within one year of their last arrival in the United States unless they qualify for a statutory exception or changed circumstances recognized under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Because filing deadlines and eligibility requirements can be critical, it is important to seek legal advice as early as possible.
Individuals who do not qualify for asylum may still be eligible for Withholding of Removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) if they can establish that they would likely face persecution or torture if returned to their home country. Our office carefully evaluates every available form of humanitarian protection based on the unique facts of each case.
Being granted asylum provides important legal protections, including authorization to live and work in the United States. Individuals granted asylum may generally apply for lawful permanent residence (a Green Card) after one year of asylum status if they continue to meet the legal requirements. Eligible asylees may later apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.
More Information on the Two Types of Asylum
Affirmative Asylum: Affirmative asylum is generally available to individuals who are physically present in the United States and are not currently in removal proceedings before an Immigration Judge. These applications are filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and applicants attend an interview before an Asylum Officer.
Defensive Asylum: Defensive asylum is requested as a defense against removal after the Department of Homeland Security has placed an individual in Immigration Court. An Immigration Judge determines whether the applicant qualifies for asylum or another form of humanitarian protection based upon the evidence presented.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C.?
Asylum cases require detailed legal analysis, persuasive evidence, extensive documentation, and a thorough understanding of constantly evolving immigration law. Our office works closely with every client to prepare comprehensive declarations, gather corroborating evidence, obtain country conditions documentation, prepare witnesses, and present the strongest possible case before USCIS or the Immigration Court.
If you fear returning to your home country because of persecution or torture, you should seek experienced legal advice without delay. Contact the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C. to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our experienced legal team can help you pursue protection and build a secure future in the United States.
Bloomfield, NJ, 07003