DC LGBTQ Asylum Applications
When applying for asylum as a member for the LGBTQ community, you may be asked various questions regarding your reasons for seeking asylum. In order to prove the legitimacy of your circumstance, you may be questioned about the current status of your country, why you fear persecution, and be required to provide evidence supporting your fear of persecution. To learn more about DC LGBTQ asylum applications, contact a trusted immigration attorney today.
Completing an Asylum Application
A person applying for asylum would have to submit Form I-589. In order to complete the form, an applicant would have to provide biographic information requested by the USCIS to establish an applicant’s identity. Once the applicant’s identity has been established, an applicant should be expected to answer questions regarding the basis of their persecution.
An applicant should also anticipate questions about their presence in the United States and any records of criminal activities. If the applicant is represented by an attorney, they will submit the Form G-28, which is the notice of entry of appearance as an attorney or accredited representative.
Proving an Applicant’s Fear of Persecution
For DC LGBTQ asylum applications, an applicant would have to provide a detailed statement showing that they have been persecuted in their home county and/or have a well-founded fear of persecution should they return to their home county. In addition, an applicant should be ready to provide evidence demonstrating the motivation of the persecutor.
An applicant may be required to provide documents corroborating their fear of persecution. Corroborating documents could be statements from third parties who are aware of the persecution or the applicant’s well-founded fear of persecution should they return to their county of origin.
Other corroborating documents may include hospital records, police reports and pictures establishing the persecution the applicant has suffered and any additional documents that can support the applicant’s claim like newspaper articles and other documentation reflecting the country’s current conditions.
Waiting for an Asylum Application to be Filed in DC
What happens to a person’s application depends heavily on where the application was filled. If the asylum application is affirmative, meaning the applicant is not in deportation/removal proceedings before the immigration court, the application is filed with the USCIS. Once USCIS receives an asylum application, an applicant would receive a receipt notice that their application has been received. An applicant could track their application online at uscis.gov. A few weeks after that, the applicant will receive their biometrics notice, which is the notice stating that they must appear at a certain date and time at a USCIS office for fingerprinting.
How Long Does it Take for a Refugee Application to be Processed?
The estimated wait time is approximately 180 days. While the application is pending, an applicant may be able to apply for employment authorization. LGBTQ individuals could try to expedite the process of scheduling an interview if their situation falls under exceptional circumstances where family members also require asylum. If an asylum applicant believes that they have an exceptional exigent circumstance, they should reach out to an attorney to see if they are able to submit that request.
150 after an asylum application is submitted, the applicant is able to apply for employment authorization while their application is pending. This application will not be approved until 180 days have passed since the asylum application was submitted. In terms of expediting the process for scheduling an interview for LGBTQ individuals, it rarely occurs unless there are exceptional circumstances where family members who are eligible to follow to join the principal argument are also in danger.
Importance of Retaining an Attorney for Help
By working with an attorney, you may be able to receive the legal assistance necessary for submitting a successful application. A lawyer could provide you with insight regarding the process of DC LGBTQ asylum applications and how to potentially expedite your application process. To find out more about what an attorney can do for you, or if you have a specific question regarding your case, contact an attorney today.