Asylum Immigration Attorney
Seeking asylum in the United States is a legal path to safety for individuals who fear persecution in their home country. At Cruz Torres Legal Services, we help asylum seekers navigate the complex application process and fight for protection under U.S. immigration law. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for individuals fleeing violence, threats, or oppression, and we are committed to ensuring your story is heard with dignity and care.
Understanding Asylum in the United States
Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who are physically present in the United States and who cannot return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution. This persecution must be based on one or more protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. U.S. immigration law allows individuals to apply for asylum regardless of how they entered the country, as long as they file their application within one year of their arrival, unless an exception applies.
Applying for asylum is a highly detailed process that involves personal declarations, evidence of the conditions in your country of origin, and often, testimony before an immigration judge or asylum officer. An approved asylum application can result in protection from deportation, the ability to work legally in the U.S., and eventually, eligibility to apply for a green card and citizenship.
Affirmative vs. Defensive Asylum
There are two types of asylum applications: affirmative and defensive. Affirmative asylum is filed proactively with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by individuals who are not currently in removal proceedings. This process includes an interview with an asylum officer who will determine whether the applicant qualifies for protection.
Defensive asylum is requested as a defense against deportation during immigration court proceedings. In these cases, the individual must present their asylum claim to an immigration judge, often while facing immediate removal. The stakes are high, and the process is adversarial, making experienced legal representation essential.
Proving Eligibility and Overcoming Barriers
To succeed in an asylum case, the applicant must present credible, detailed testimony and, whenever possible, supporting documentation such as medical records, police reports, or news articles that show the conditions in their home country. The U.S. government carefully evaluates the credibility of each applicant, and even small inconsistencies can result in a denial. There are also legal bars to asylum eligibility, such as certain criminal convictions or prior asylum denials, that must be addressed carefully.
How We Help Asylum Seekers
At Cruz Torres Legal Services, we work closely with clients to prepare thorough and compelling asylum applications. We take time to understand each person’s unique circumstances, help gather evidence, and develop testimony that communicates the urgency and validity of their claims. Whether you are applying affirmatively or defending yourself in court, our team is here to guide you through every step with the legal skill and personal commitment your case deserves.
Contact Cruz Torres Legal Services
If you or someone you know is seeking asylum in the United States, time is of the essence. Contact Cruz Torres Legal Services today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild your life in the U.S. under the protection of asylum law.