Alexandra can help those who live in Contra Costa County or the Bay Area with their asylum claim. An individual may be granted asylum if they are physically in the United States and have experienced past persecution or fear future persecution on account of their race, religion, political opinion, nationality or membership in a particular social group. Asylum law is very complicated and it is best to speak to speak with an attorney who may determine if you might be eligible to apply for asylum and to ensure that you meet important filing deadlines.
My Contra Costa County practice helps individuals and families seeking asylum. It has become increasingly important to have an immigration attorney at your side. I provide representation for all of Concord, Antioch, Richmond, Pittsburg, the Bay Area and beyond. If you would like to speak with me about your case please call (415) 527-5886 right now.
Affirmative Asylum
An individual may file for asylum either affirmatively or as a defense to removal proceedings. An individual is eligible to apply for asylum affirmatively if she is not currently in removal proceedings. In the affirmative asylum process, an applicant will ultimately be interviewed by a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)(USCIS) asylum officer. After the interview, the applicant will either be granted asylum or referred to an immigration judge. It is important to discuss the risks of filing an application for asylum affirmatively with an attorney.
Defensive Asylum
An individual may also apply for asylum as a defense to removal proceedings. An individual may apply as a defense generally, or may be referred to an immigration judge if their case was not granted by a USCIS asylum officer. The defensive asylum process may be more complicated than the affirmative process and it is important to discuss this process with an attorney.
Individual and Derivative Applications
If you entered the United States as a refugee within the past 2 years or were granted asylee status within the past 2 years, you may petition for your spouse or children who are under the age of 21 to obtain derivative asylee status.
Adjustment of Status in Contra Costa County
An individual who is granted asylee status has the right to live and work in the United States, even without an employment authorization document. Asylees may also apply for lawful permanent residence (commonly known as a green card) one year after they were granted asylee status. Additional documentation may be required if an individual was convicted of a crime or if they made certain misrepresentations. In those cases, an individual may also need to file a waiver of inadmissibility.
Your Bay Area, Antioch, and Concord Asylum Lawyer
Typically, five years after obtaining lawful permanent residence (or a green card), an individual is eligible to apply for naturalization (or citizenship)! However, asylees may apply four years after obtaining lawful permanent residence. Once an individual becomes a citizen, as long as she did not commit fraud during the naturalization process, she may never be deported.
Your Contra Costa County Immigration Lawyer
There are approximately 80,000 immigrants living in Contra Costa County (2017). Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County and has a rich immigrant population. My Concord immigration practice can help bring relief to families and persons who are concerned about their immigration status or that a loved one.