Asylum Legal Questions

An invitation letter will not affect the officer's decision to approve a tourist visa application. Your friend can only qualify based upon his proof of steady employment and/or property ownership that shows equity in the property. Examples would include tax returns, w2, paystubs, a property appraisal and a letter from his employer. It would additionally help if he can show 12 months of bank statements showing he has the financial cash flow strength to finance his stay while here in the US. ... Read More

The issue is whether it is within one year of your entry into the U.S.  Also, what are the facts and how much evidence exists to prove a "well founded fear" of persecution on account of one of the reasons allowed as a matter of law.  Sometimes, people begin the process and become targets for deportation when there were other better options available to them. As a result, fees are best decided based upon whether the intending asylee can overcome the burden of proving that they deserve asylum as a matter of establised law and decisions.  If not, then the alternatives ought to be discussed and the matter left alone.  A more unsubstantiated claim will take more time to prove to the satisfaction of either the asylum office or the Immigration Court deciding whether to deport you for eventually overstaying your B2 visa. This will happen where USCIS denies ("refers") an asylum application to an immigration court known as the Executive Office of Immigration Review!  As a result, I strongly recommend a paid consultation with a competent and experienced immigration attorney before you spend thousands of dollars. ... Read More

More information is needed, but your son must prove to the satisfaction of USCIS that he has a well founded fear of persecution based upon one of the reasons covered in the Immigration and Nationality Act.  Many asylum applicants are referred to immigration court for deportation proceedings once their visitor entry expires.  There may be other immigration or visa options, since it can be difficult to prove a well founded fear of persecution due to the limited evidence one has when they enter the United States. There often must be more individualized threats against an applicant. I practice before the Asylum Office in Chicago, which covers the State of Minnesota. If an appointment/Zoom Teleconference is undrtaken, I can confidentially evaluate a claim, then suggest any alternatives, as well. It is wise to find a way to afford an experienced immigration attorney in Chicago given an unsuccessful application can eventually result in a  final deportation order.  Your son has to 'successfully file' an asylum application 'within' one year of the date of his entry into the U.S. The above is general information, not legal advice and does not create an attorney client relationship.... Read More