Filing for Asylum
At Charlotte Viener and Associates, we help individuals, who have fled their home country after being persecuted, to remain in the US and ultimately obtain legal permanent residency. In order to apply for Asylum, you must first prove that you are unable or unwilling to return to your home country due to past persecution or a well-founded fear of being persecuted if you return on account of five specific grounds: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
To be eligible for Asylum, you must file your application within ONE year of your entry, unless you can prove changed conditions in your home that now cause you to fear being persecuted. You must also prove that no other country will accept you (an issue if you have dual citizenship). Finally, you must provide credible testimony and evidence of good moral character.
An asylum application can be filed in two ways:
1 - Affirmative Asylum is when you file an application directly to USCIS.
You will then be given an interview before an Asylum adjudicator who can either approve your application or refer it to the Immigration Judge, where you will get a second opportunity to have your application reviewed.
2 - Defensive Asylum is filed when you are already in Removal (Deportation) Proceedings
before the Immigration Court and file your application as a defense to being removed from the United States.
If you are granted asylum, you are allowed to file for legal permanent residency in the US one year after receiving your approval notice.
In addition, if more than 365 days have elapsed since the filing of your application and no decision has been made, you will be eligible for temporary work authorization, which also entitles you to receive a social security number and driver’s license. As of February 2020, the average processing time to adjudicate an asylum application is between 930 days and four years!
Why do you need Charlotte Viener and Associates to help file your asylum? Asylum seekers are some of the most vulnerable members of society- individuals who have suffered physical or emotional trauma, sometimes for years in their home country. Substantial evidence and the individuals own testimony, in addition to human rights reports and newspaper or online articles relating to your home countries historical mistreatment of individuals, such as yourself, are critical to a successful asylum determination. This is your life we are talking about!
Our office will help provide the most effective and persuasive arguments to win your asylum case while providing you compassion, empathy and attention throughout the entire process. We will always have your back and if needed, we will carry you through the process. You will always have an advocate on your side to fight for you.
The Immigration Attorneys of Charlotte Viener & Associates in New Orleans have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through every step of the Consular Processing procedure.
Why Choose Us?
Charlotte Viener & Associates is a New Orleans, Louisiana based law firm that has worked exclusively in the area of Immigration and Nationality Law for over twenty years. We represent immigrants and employers throughout the United States and the world.
Our attorney's are also compassionate and caring and understand that navigating the Immigration laws can sometimes be overwhelming. We will not only fight for you but hold your hand, if needed, throughout the entire process.
In addition, our office offers Flat Fees and Payment Plans with no hidden fees. You will have access to us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week either in our office, on the phone or by email. It is part of the service we offer and is included in the flat fee we quote you at our initial consultation. Please review our google reviews below to hear about our client's experience working with us.