Granting Asylum in Maryland
Not everyone in the world is born under safe conditions. In fact, many people are fleeing their countries to escape war, poverty, or a corrupt government. Luckily, the United States has made it possible for people to migrate to the country in the form of asylum. If you or a loved one requires help with granting asylum in Maryland, or wish to know more about this subject. Continue reading below or schedule an appointment with an experienced attorney today.
How Long Does it Take to be Granted Asylum in Maryland?
It could take a few months to years from when the asylum application is submitted for granting asylum in Maryland. Recently, those who have applied for affirmative asylum after January 2018 are being scheduled for interviews at the asylum office before those who have applied for asylum before that date. If the current trend continues, it is likely that those that submit affirmative asylum applications will be interviewed within a few months.
If the trend slows down, the process could take months or years. If an applicant applied for asylum years ago and they still have not been scheduled for an interview, it is unknown whether they are going to be scheduled for it in the near future. Claimants in removal proceedings are subject to the immigration judge’s calendar regarding when a final hearing would be scheduled to determine asylum eligibility.
Factors Dictating a Grant of Asylum
The factors that depend on being granted asylum can be broken down into four parts:
- Location
- Basis of persecution
- Nationality
- Legal representation
Location and Basis of Persecution
Different asylum offices have different percentages of approval ratings worthy for asylum cases. Applicants should note that as long as their claim meets the legal standard, they should receive a favorable decision on their asylum claim. However, the difference between approval or denial may be the applicant’s ability to demonstrate that they possess a characteristic (race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group) that is at least one central reason why they were harmed in the past or will be harmed in the future.
At times, proving the connection (nexus) between the ground and the persecution is easier than others because the motivation of one’s aggressor may be more straightforward when it is a physical characteristic versus one’s political opinion, for example.
Nationality and Legal Representation
Each asylum application is different, however, a person’s nationality and country conditions are taken into account. Asylum applicants must show that their country of origin or the country that they can be removed to is unwilling or unable to protect them and that they cannot internally relocate within that country. Therefore, in terms of nationality, as long as the applicant has met the legal standards, the asylum applicant should prevail in their asylum claim.
There is a difference in approval rating both through the asylum office or in front of an immigration court judge between those who have done the application process on their own and those who have gone through the asylum process with legal counsel. It is more likely that someone who is represented by counsel will be granted asylum than someone who decides to go about it on their own.
Importance of Retaining an Attorney
One of the main problems with today’s immigration process is that, in order to properly immigrate to the United States, applicants must submit their application without any error, even though they may not have the legal knowledge to successfully do so. In regards to asylum, the process could be much more difficult. With this in mind, if you require legal assistance with granting asylum in Maryland, contact an attorney today.