Asylum Attorneys in Sacramento, CA

We Provide Legal Assistance to Refugees & Asylum Seekers Who Are Fleeing Their Home Countries

Most immigrants come to the U.S. in pursuit of the “American Dream,” a hope and promise that things will be better here than they were in their country of origin — they may raise their families in safety and security while building a legacy and earning a living. But some are forced to flee their homes to find safe harbor, hoping for asylum.

For those fearing persecution, war, famine, and other threats beyond their ability to withstand, the only choice for survival is to flee to foreign shores.

Not all who petition for refugee status or seek asylum will find the safety they are after, however. Certain strict requirements must be met, and the legal process that a petitioner must navigate can be complicated and unkind. If the asylum seeker is unsuccessful, they may be deported back to their home country, to that place of danger they were trying to escape.

The Los Angeles Immigrants’ Rights Project estimates that an asylum seeker is approximately five times more likely to win a case for asylum if they are represented in immigration court by an experienced attorney.

Deportation is not a simple legal matter for asylum seekers and refugees — it can be a matter of life and death. For a better chance of receiving permission to live and work in the U.S. as a resident and a refugee, you are advised to seek legal counsel.

The Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. team has years of experience assisting clients through the complicated process of obtaining asylum in the United States. 

To learn more about your legal options, please contact our law offices to schedule a free case evaluation.

What Is the Difference Between a Refugee & an Asylee?

Not every asylum seeker will one day be considered a refugee. However, every refugee will start as an asylum seeker.

Refugees and asylees have more in common than they do differences. Both require petitioners to go through a long and complex application process and meet the eligibility requirements for entry into the United States of America.

The differences are largely of a procedural nature. For example, refugees must file the I-590 form, and asylum seekers must file the I-589 form. To better understand the differences, speak about your specific case details with the experienced Sacramento asylum lawyers at Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Asylum in the United States?

To win asylum in the United States of America, an asylum seeker must prove a “well-founded fear” of persecution in their home country on one or more grounds.

You may be able to obtain asylum if you face persecution for one or more of the following in your country of origin:

Those fleeing wars, gang violence, famine, domestic abuse, and serious crimes may also be awarded asylum on a limited basis. However, this is a higher hurdle to pass, as the applicant is asked to prove that their home government is unable or unwilling to protect them.

Do You Need an Immigration Attorney for Your Asylum Case?

You are not required to hire an attorney to represent your asylum case. In fact, immigration court is unlike many other court proceedings in the United States, in that you will not have an attorney assigned to you at government expense if you cannot hire your own legal representation. This is why, tragically, we have heard stories of infants having to represent themselves in immigration courts.

The chances of a successful result for your case are dramatically improved by hiring skilled lawyers to represent you and your loved ones. Your attorney will examine your unique case, determine the most suitable course of action, and ensure that all proper documentation is filed correctly and at the right time.

A large part of the argument for asylum is storytelling. You must convey the difficult situation to your immigration judge and emphasize the dangers you may face if forced to return to your home country. Your story must be honest — it should be appropriately dramatic, but it cannot be fictionally dramatized — and your lawyer can help you tell that story so that the court is moved to act in your favor.

Additionally, your Sacramento asylum attorney can help ensure that all paperwork is on hand, help you through any important interviews, and keep you informed about any changing policies in immigration law.

Contact Our Law Firm to Schedule a Free Consultation

It is unfortunate whenever anyone feels the need to flee from their homes and start a new life in a foreign country. However, many groups of people are persecuted worldwide, and their best hope is to find nations that accept refugees fleeing their well-founded fear of persecution and suffering.

If you are an asylum seeker coming to the U.S., you must seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer. The Sacramento asylum lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. have years of experience providing legal services to clients seeking asylum and refuge. We would be honored to represent you and your case in a court of law to secure your safe residency in the United States of America.

To schedule a free consultation, please call our law office at (510) 491-0291.