When Do You Need an Asylum Lawyer?
Do I need a lawyer when requesting asylum in the United States? This is a common question.
Although each individual asylum case may have a different outcome depending on the asylum office and interviewing officer, it is crucial for all asylum applicants to present all required paperwork and to prepare for their asylum interviews meticulously. Asylum lawyers are crucial to the asylum process.
When you submit your paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), also known as an affirmative asylum application, it is essential to have asylum attorneys draft your document package. Hiring a qualified and seasoned asylum lawyer increases your chances of winning significantly.
You might not know which documents are relevant to your case and which are irrelevant without legal counsel. This could do tremendous damage to your case. Additionally, the requirements for providing evidence are generally unknown to those who do not operate in the immigration field, which could lead to delays and poor outcomes.
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How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Asylum Lawyer in the U.S.?
Assistance with an asylum application might cost between $1,000 and $3,000, and a deportation defense can cost between $2,000 and $10,000. Ask local asylum attorneys for free quotes.
What to Look For in an Asylum Lawyer
Look for a capable asylum attorney will be able to do the following:
- Identify the ideal timing and steps for a good outcome;
- Ensure that you qualify for asylum under the law;
- Inform you of any potential challenges you might face;
- Review your declaration in support of your asylum request, assist you in crafting it most dramatically and expressively possible, and present the facts in the light most favorable to the granting of asylum, highlighting the crucial details while omitting unimportant details that might hurt your case;
- Make sure the asylum office has the pertinent data and all necessary papers to support your claim for refuge;
- Make sure your application and accompanying materials are organized, tabbed, indexed, and labeled in a clear style;
- Assemble thorough country reports to support your application for asylum through research;
- Ensure that you, your family, any witnesses, and your interpreter are all prepared for the successful interview procedure;
- Participate fully in your asylum interview, uphold your rights as an asylum seeker, take notes, and inform the interviewer of your case as well as any information about your country;
- Give the asylum officer a summary of your case, the situation in your home country, and any relevant international and U.S. asylum legislation and case law.
- After the interview, hand the asylum officer a complete and in-depth written memorandum of law outlining your case, referencing relevant U.S. and international legal precedents, outlining all listed exhibits, and arguing your eligibility for asylum;
- After being granted asylum, give specific directions on what to do next and any pending immigration issues until you become a citizen of the United States;
- Keep you informed of any modifications to the laws, rules, or interpretations that may impact your case as it is being handled.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation With an Asylum Lawyer
Here are some things to get ready for your consultation:
- Gather all necessary documentation, making copies for your lawyer
- Find out if the attorney charges for the initial consultation
- Inquire about the experience of the lawyer
- Bring documentation of your criminal history if necessary
- Take notes
- Be punctual
Where to Find the Best Asylum Lawyers in the U.S.
You can find the best asylum lawyers in the U.S. through LegalMatch.
Instead of endlessly Google searching for “asylum lawyer near me,” “asylum attorney near me,” or “best asylum lawyer near me,” an attorney on LegalMatch can help you determine whether you qualify for asylum, refugee status, or another status.
You can also find a qualified asylum lawyer through the American Bar Association.
