Dedicated Chelsea Firm Aids People Seeking Asylum and Refugee Status
Skillful Massachusetts immigration attorneys assist clients facing persecution
Aspiring immigrants from around the world have many reasons for moving to the United States. Some people come to this country for a professional opportunity or to reunite with family members. Others have a much more urgent need to establish a new life here. From our office in Chelsea, Massachusetts, the team at Georges Cote LLP represents clients seeking asylum and refugee status because they are being persecuted or threatened in their homeland. This area of immigration law has changed rapidly in recent years and it’s important to understand the qualifications before starting the application process. Whether you’re presently in the United States and are considering filing for asylum or seeking help with a refugee application for someone outside the country, we offer knowledgeable advice and strong advocacy.
Who is eligible for protection within the United States?
Not everyone who is facing difficult conditions in their homeland is eligible for asylum or refugee status. To receive legal status in the United States using one of these programs, the actual or threatened persecution must relate to one of five specific personal characteristics. You can seek protection if you’re being mistreated because of your:
- Race
- Religion
- National origin
- Political opinion
- Membership within a particular social group
If you have questions about whether your situation fits the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements for asylum or refugee status, our immigration attorneys will evaluate the facts and give you honest counsel regarding the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal
Individuals who are eligible for asylum start the review process by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal. You must take this step within one year of your arrival in this country. The number of accepted applications has shifted drastically, so even worthy individuals have been rejected and deported from the United States. In this climate, it is particularly important to have an attorney by your side who can assemble the evidence necessary to construct the best argument possible on your behalf. We make a compelling case for clients who have been mistreated and clearly tie each application to one or more of the qualifying categories.
Form I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee
The road to achieving protected refugee status in the United States starts in the prospective applicant’s home country. There, someone facing persecution should contact a representative from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees or United States Refugee Project serving their area. From there, an applicant must file Form I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee, with USCIS. Prospective refugees are also required to provide fingerprints and documents that show how your travel expenses and other financial needs will be met. Our firm works with family members and charitable groups to marshal the information and support needed to maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Contact a Boston-area attorney regarding asylum or refugee status
Georges Cote LLP represents individuals from around the world in proceedings related to asylum and refugee status. Please call 617-884-1000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
