Houston Asylum Lawyers
At Lamb and Turner, our Houston asylum lawyers understand the pressing concerns of those seeking protection through asylum in the United States. Let’s discuss the fundamentals, who’s eligible, and how to obtain it.
Understanding Asylum Law and Eligibility in the U.S.
Asylum under US immigration law offers protection to those fearing return to their home country. An asylum seeker must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on defined grounds. Applicants must file within one year of arriving in the United States using Form I-589, which initiates the legal pathway toward being granted asylum.
Legal Representation: Choosing a Houston Asylum Lawyer
A specialized law firm like Lamb and Turner provides seasoned immigration lawyers who can help bolster your case. Choose a qualified immigration lawyer in Houston by looking for firms experienced in asylum cases.
Benefits of Legal Representation
Those with experienced legal counsel have significantly better outcomes, since experienced attorneys can help avoid delays or denials due to legal errors. Qualified immigration lawyers also provide support when preparing affidavits and evidence, with skilled advocacy in court or before the asylum office.
Legal representation also means ensuring forms are completed accurately and on time. Your counsel can prepare you for tough questions during interviews and identify supporting evidence that could help strengthen your case.
Navigating the Asylum Case Process
An asylum case follows a general well-defined trajectory:
- Filing
- Receipt and acknowledgment
- Interview and court appearance
- Decision
The Asylum Office or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues a receipt of notice after you file Form I-589, along with supporting documentation, within one year of entry. Cases may go through the Asylum Office (affirmative process) or the Immigration Court (defensive process). If successful, you are granted asylum. If denied, appeals or motions may follow.
The Role of the Asylum Office
The Asylum Office reviews affirmative asylum claims, and unlike formal court hearings, interviews at the Asylum Office are typically less adversarial. Officers evaluate the credibility of your fear, the consistency of your testimony, and testimonial proof. Book a free consultation with a Houston asylum lawyer to ensure your properly briefed and ready for this critical interview setting.
Reasons for Seeking Asylum: Grounds of Persecution
Individuals flee their home countries due to a fear of being persecuted, but to qualify for asylum, you must demonstrate a credible fear based on protected grounds. Persecution includes threats to your safety or freedom, violence, imprisonment, or other severe forms of harm. However, the burden of proof lies with the asylum seeker to show why the United States protection is necessary.
When an Application is Denied
You may still have options if your application is denied. USCIS may allow you to request a hearing to appeal the decision, and in some cases, refiling the application with stronger evidence can be a potential pathway. Having legal counsel at this stage is critical, so take immediate action to protect your immigration goals.
Protected Grounds for Asylum Claims
- Race
- Religion
- Ethnicity
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Social group affiliation
Family and Immigration Implications
Asylum can extend to immediate family members such as a spouse or an unmarried child under 21. You may apply for a green card after one year of being granted asylum and may eventually seek citizenship, which can open a pathway to full immigration integration.
When and Where to Seek Legal Help
Seek asylum within one year of being in the United States, but understand that exceptions exist. Talk to your immigration lawyer for more information. Delays can decrease your cases strength, so asylum applicants should act promptly once they identify a plausible claim and file in the correct location.
Preventing Removal and Deportation
Asylum can offer a lifeline if deportation or removal proceedings have already begun. Filing an asylum claim can delay removal, provide a legal basis to challenge your deportation, and may be combined with other defensive strategies to protect you from being returned to harm.
Houston Asylum Lawyers – Get Legal Help Today
Choosing a trusted Houston asylum lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make. Law firms with asylum lawyers and immigration lawyers offer skilled guidance and help reduce the risks of procedural mistakes. Contact Lamb and Turner today for a free consultation.
Reviews
Mr. Lamb is exceptional, he listened to all of our concerns and was very thorough explaining my process on the first consultation. Isela is superb always very attentive and responsive to all my questions. She would always respond in a timely manner to my calls/emails.
Jessica was great updating me with the actions taken against my case via email. Overall a great experience everyone always treated my husband and I as family. Thank you for all you do.
Carla Orona 
Attorney Turner is the best! From our initial consultation to the resolution of our case, she and her team showed genuine commitment. Their expertise, professionalism, and excellent communication skills made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Lamb and Turner for all your legal matters.
Kanza Fatima
Mr. Lamb is amazing and the best attorney I have ever dealt with . The whole staff truly cares and you are not just a number. I am beyond relieved I have Mr Lamb and his assistant that are a Real team behind me. They will take care and make things right for you!
Tara Geck
This firm is very knowledgeable in every aspect of their practice. Everyone within the firm is passionate about what they do! They live for their WHY! Great experience! I cannot say how thankful I am to have found this firm, they are phenomenal! Best immigration lawyers!
Nevay Murphy