Virginia LGBTQ Asylum Lawyer
A Virginia LGBTQ asylum lawyer can assist if you are trying to gain asylum status to remain in the U.S. lawfully based on fear of persecution because of sexual orientation or political opinion. Asylum offers opportunities, but applicants often have difficulty demonstrating their eligibility.
An immigration attorney experienced with asylum applications can help initiate an application or work to overcome difficulties if you have applied for asylum and encountered a problem. The immigration process is complex, and asylum issues further complicate matters. Assistance from a knowledgeable legal advocate can provide peace of mind and help avoid unnecessary delays. En Español.
Asylum and Refugee Status
The United States government can grant refugee or asylum status to individuals and their families when they have been persecuted or fear persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in certain social groups, or political opinion. A Virginia immigration lawyer can assist those seeking asylum due to their status as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) community.
The primary difference between asylum and refugee status is that asylum is granted to those already inside the U.S. while the government grants refugee status to people currently outside the U.S. People who are granted asylum gain the legal right to live and work indefinitely in the U.S. One year after receiving asylum, an individual may apply for a Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident.
Eligibility for Asylum
One major challenge when seeking asylum is proving the persecution or legitimate fear of persecution based on protected status. Members of the LGBTQ community frequently face persecution due to their identification but proving that persecution can present certain challenges. Many people seek assistance from an immigration lawyer in Virginia familiar with LGBTQ asylum issues to help present persuasive evidence of the danger faced if forced to return to their home country.
Members of the LGBTQ community who have voiced their opinion in favor of LGBTQ rights or recognition may also face persecution for their political beliefs. This provides another option to demonstrate eligibility for asylum.
In most cases, those seeking asylum must have been in the U.S. for no more than a year to be eligible. This requirement may be waived if there has been a change in circumstances.
Applying for Asylum
Applicants do not need to pay a fee to seek asylum, but they need to file an application and be prepared to provide extensive and persuasive documentation. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included on the same application.
A Virginia LGBTQ asylum lawyer can assist in preparing the application and supporting material. The application must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the agency will provide a receipt with a number that can be used to check the status of the application.
Work with an Experienced Virginia Immigration Attorney
Individuals seeking asylum often find themselves in precarious circumstances. They face danger if required to return to their previous country, but while they are in the process of applying for asylum, their status in the U.S. is uncertain. Working with a Virginia LGBTQ asylum lawyer can ease much of the worry because a knowledgeable attorney will know how to stay on top of deadlines, how to make a case persuasively, and how to follow up when a problem arises.
An immigration lawyer will also be sensitive to your needs and situation and can stand by you ready to provide advice whenever needed. For a consultation to learn how a Virginia LGBTQ can help in your case, call now.