Tampa Asylum/Refugee Attorney

Promoting the Safety & Protection of Our Clients

Asylum occurs when a foreign national seeks the protection of entering or remaining in the U.S. under immigration law due to persecution in their homeland. These are individuals either living inside the U.S. or still in their home country who fear for their physical and emotional safety. The persecution is based on certain characteristics they have or groups to which they belong. Should these individuals remain in their homeland or return to it either voluntarily or involuntary, they may be subject to some type of oppression. Asylum in the U.S. safeguards these foreign nations and their immediate families.

At Francisca Diaz Law, we are passionate about bringing safety and peace to refugees and asylum-seekers. Our firm has successfully helped untold numbers of individuals and their children in this matter, resulting in them being able to legally stay in the U.S. If you or someone you know needs to seek U.S. asylum, our highly-experienced immigration firm is here to provide you with all of the legal guidance and knowledge needed for this critical process.

Seeking asylum from either your home country or here? Connect with our Tampa asylum/refugee lawyer online or by calling (813) 212-4066 for legal help.

The Asylum Process

In order to obtain asylum, whether you are seeking it while present in the U.S. or at a port of entry into the U.S., you must qualify. If in the U.S., you must file an application within a year of arriving here. In any asylum cases, you must have suffered persecution in your home country in the past or be in fear that you will be subject to it should you return. U.S. law has established various categories of such persecution.

These categories include:

• Persecution based on your race
• Persecution based on your religion
• Persecution based on your nationality
• Persecution based on your membership in a social group
• Persecution based on your political opinion or affiliations

Your application for asylum can include your immediate family members, such as your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. These family members can be included in your application whether they have made it to the U.S. or remain in your home country.

In order to gain approval on an asylum case, you will have to accurately fill out and file the correct official immigration form, prove your eligibility, include supporting evidence and documentation, and more. Documentation that can corroborate your case can include such things as a long, detailed written statement that tells your story of persecution. This should include dates, names, locations, and specific information. This can also be supported with police reports, medical reports, affidavits from friends, family, and others, newspaper accounts, reports from human rights groups, and other evidence. All of this is likely to increase your chances of approval. Later, you will have to testify in front of a hearing officer or judge who will decide your case. You will be expected to tell the truth as to the claims you have made in your application package. At that time, whoever is deciding your case will likely take into account whether your story coincides with your written statement and documents and whether you appear to have an authentic need for asylum.

You may also apply for a work permit authorizing you to get a job in the U.S. if you have a pending asylum application.

Questions About Asylum?

U.S. immigration laws regarding asylum can be confusing which is why it is critical to have a trusted immigration lawyer handling your case. Francisca Diaz Law has the skills and resources to help you apply for asylum as well as to appeal any denial of asylum or represent you in deportation proceedings. Discuss your case with our Tampa asylum/refugee lawyer to learn more about where you stand and your available options.

We are available at (813) 212-4066 or online to book your personalized consultation today.