Orlando Immigration Lawyer for Refugees and Asylum

Attorney Helping Immigrants Apply for Refugee or Asylee Status in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sanford

People come to the United States for many different reasons. In many cases, a person will pursue family-based immigration in which a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors a foreign family member for a visa and Green Card. However, there are some situations where a person or family may need to immigrate to the U.S. because they fear for their safety. In these cases, immigrants may be eligible for immigration as refugees, or they may be granted asylum. Those who are looking to obtain these types of protections can work with an attorney to ensure that they complete the immigration process successfully.

At the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how immigration laws apply to refugees and asylum seekers, and we are dedicated to helping these immigrants live safely in the United States. Our lawyers have over 35 years of combined legal experience, and we have assisted with multiple different types of immigration cases. If you are concerned about your family's safety in your home country, we can help you take the correct steps to maintain your legal status as a refugee or asylee and prevent the possibility of deportation.

Applying for Immigration as a Refugee

There are many situations where a person or family may be displaced from their home country, and they may be concerned that they will be harmed or killed if they return to where they originally lived. In these cases, a family may wish to enter the United States as refugees. A person may be considered to be a refugee if they are living outside the United States, have not been resettled firmly in another country, and have faced persecution or fear that they will be persecuted because of their nationality, race, religion, political beliefs, or membership in a particular group.

Before being granted refugee status, a person will need to be referred to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Referrals may be made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), U.S. embassies, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). A person's case will be reviewed by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, who will determine whether they are eligible for resettlement in the U.S. After being approved as refugees, a person and their family members can receive financial assistance to help them travel to and settle in the United States, and they will also receive an authorization to obtain employment in the U.S. One year after being admitted to the United States as a refugee, a person may apply for an adjustment of status and become a lawful permanent resident.

Applying for Asylum

In some cases, a person and their family may come to the United States to escape persecution in their home country. Those who are present in the United States or who are attempting to enter the U.S. can apply for asylum if they believe that they would be at risk of harm if they were required to return to their home country. They can do so by filing an Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (Form I-589) within one year after entering the U.S. If asylum is granted, the person will be protected from deportation, and they can receive authorization to work in the U.S by filing an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765). One year after being granted asylum, a person can apply for an adjustment of status and receive a Green Card.

Contact Our Altamonte Springs Refugee/Asylum Attorneys

Immigrants will need to meet multiple requirements to qualify as refugees or be granted asylum. Our lawyers can help you understand your rights in these situations, and we will help you file the correct forms and documents to ensure that you and your family will be protected from harm. Contact us today by calling 407-955-5000 and arranging a free consultation. We provide legal help with immigration issues in Orange County and cities throughout the state of Florida, including Windermere, Altamonte Springs, Ocoee, Oviedo, Lake Buena Vista, Tampa, Casselberry, Clermont, Apopka, Lake Mary, Saint Cloud, Sanford, Winter Springs, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Daytona Beach, Winter Park, St. Petersburg, and Leesburg Bay Lake.