Passionate Advocates For Asylees’ Rights

The United States can offer safety and freedom that many other countries cannot. If you face persecution or violence in your homeland, speak with an attorney from KB Law PLLC about how to seek asylum.

Our founding attorney, Karen Bryan, immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica. She understands firsthand what you are going through, including the obstacles you face. We have helped clients gain asylum from countries around the world where conflict abounds. A few of the issues we regularly handle include:

• Applications for asylum
• Convention Against Torture relief
• Withholding of removal
• Adjustment of immigration status

Our passion lies in helping clients obtain asylum, either affirmatively or defensively. We comprehend the urgency of your situation and act to make your asylum petition move as quickly as possible. Throughout your case, you can rely on your immigration lawyer to explain your rights and keep you updated on any important developments.

What To Know About Asylum In The United States

To successfully claim asylum in the U.S., you must demonstrate that you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on at least one of five criteria:

1. Race
2. Religion
3. Nation of origin
4. Membership in a particular group
5. Having a certain political opinion

When faced with the choice between violence and persecution in their native country or undocumented entry to the U.S., many people take the risk of immigrating to the U.S. without papers. If you file for asylum and you do not have lawful status, the USCIS will try to expedite your deportation. Ask for our help immediately – we may be able to slow down or prevent your removal.

Ask Us Your Questions About Asylum

Leaving one’s home after extensive persecution, fleeing to a new country and filing complex paperwork is filled with questions. We can provide the answers you need. Here, we have answered a few questions we frequently hear about asylum.

Can I petition for asylum if I do not live in the United States?

Unfortunately, no. You must be on American soil to seek asylum. If you live abroad, you must first file a petition for refugee status with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

Is it legal to cross the U.S. border and then seek asylum?

Although asylum-seekers must be in the United States to file their petitions, entering the country is much easier said than done. One option is to enter the country at a port of entry such as an airport or a land crossing and then request asylum. If you enter the country using false documents or by crossing the border unlawfully, these details will not necessarily count against you in your application process. However, the USCIS may still initiate removal proceedings against you.

What is the difference between affirmative and defensive asylum?

Affirmative asylum is when an immigrant who does not have removal proceedings pending seeks asylum in the U.S. Defensive asylum is when an immigrant who does have removal proceedings pending seeks asylum.

Can I bring my family to the U.S. if I have received asylum?

Once the USCIS has granted you asylum, your relatives might have the opportunity to seek derivative asylum status and immigrate to the country.

Learn How Our Immigration Team Can Help You

There is no time to waste if you need to seek asylum. Contact KB Law PLLC as soon as possible to receive our experienced, helpful immigration law services. Call our Minnetonka law office at 612-474-5649 or send us an email to schedule a free initial consultation.