Greenville Asylum Attorneys

Helping Clients Seek Safety in the United States

Are you someone who has escaped a dangerous homeland or fears future persecution if you return? The world has a difficult history of not helping individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries. During the 1950s, a movement to change this occurred — and although it took America some time to catch up, the Refugee Act of 1980 was eventually passed. The asylum process can halt removal proceedings, grant work authorization, offer a path to legal residency, and so much more. A Greenville, SC asylum lawyer may be able to assist with this process.

At Hall Trial Lawyers, our experienced immigration attorneys are committed to securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We’ve all seen what can happen when refugees are turned away. Sadly, the world refused Jewish refugees fleeing Germany prior to World War II — and the scars and trauma of that event still haunt America today. The saying “Never again” is prominent, but unfortunately, far too many people face similar outcomes when they’re not granted asylum. However, this isn’t something you have to go through alone.

Who Qualifies for Asylum in America?

American immigration law is complex, and while asylum seekers may be in a more dire situation than others, our system still doesn’t make the process easy. Anyone who seeks asylum in the United States must meet certain criteria to qualify. First, they need to show that they’ve faced past persecution or have a credible and well-founded fear of facing persecution if they return to their home country. However, this still isn’t enough. These individuals must also be in danger due to membership in specific categories, which include:

Race
Religion
Nationality
Political opinion
Membership in particular social groups

If you’re worried that your asylum case doesn’t fall into these categories, it’s advisable to visit an immigration law firm. The last category (i.e., membership in a particular social group) is incredibly broad. Individuals have been granted asylum due to their membership in groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals, victims of gang violence, women facing gender-based violence, and others. The asylum system is meant to protect individuals who cannot safely return home — and if you fall into this category, an experienced asylum lawyer in Greenville, SC may be able to help.

Contact Hall Trial Lawyers today.

How Does Immigration Law Treat Asylum Requests?

If someone qualifies to seek asylum in the United States, there’s a specific process that their request must follow. The process can vary based on individual circumstances — such as whether a person is already facing deportation — but the basics remain the same. To start, a person needs to file Form I-589, the Application for Asylum, which must include evidence supporting the applicant’s claims.

Afterward, individuals who aren’t facing deportation (i.e., affirmative cases) will attend an interview in a USCIS asylum office. For those facing removal (i.e., defensive cases), their case will need to be presented in immigration court. In defensive cases, an immigration judge will listen to your evidence and any opposing arguments the government attorney presents. Remember, the burden of proof is on you during this process.

Whether you’re already in the United States seeking asylum or you’re at a port of entry, you have the right to be heard. And even for those whose requests are denied, a Greenville asylum lawyer at our law firm can assist clients through the appeals process. Both affirmative and defensive applications give you the opportunity to escape persecution, and our law firm is here to help in any way we can.

Do You Need an Asylum Attorney in South Carolina?

Many individuals wonder if they actually need an attorney to assist with the asylum application process. After all, some people have escaped extraordinary circumstances in their home countries — and the country conditions many of them have fled are often well-documented in the media. So, shouldn’t it be easy to build a case that you deserve asylum? Unfortunately, any experienced lawyer can tell you that securing a successful outcome isn’t always as easy as you might expect.

First, you might encounter technical issues. For instance, did you know that there’s a one-year filing deadline? Also, common errors in applications and evidentiary items can slow down or derail the entire process. When you add these issues to the existing application backlog, policy changes that can occur overnight, and the sometimes well-intentioned but ineffective assistance provided by immigration non-profit associations? It’s a recipe for disaster.

No one can force you to work with an asylum lawyer in Greenville, SC — but your failure to seek legal assistance can lead to major issues.

Contact Our Asylum Lawyers in Greenville, SC Today

If you’ve suffered persecution or fear that you may in the future, it’s important to know that you have options. American immigration services focus on safeguarding the national interests of our country. However, the United States also has a responsibility to those who may be fleeing unsafe conditions. Unfortunately, the process of seeking asylum is complicated — and administration changes in the state and federal government can make things even more challenging. You need a dedicated legal advocate on your side.

At Hall Trial Lawyers, that’s exactly what we offer. Whether it’s you or your family members — and regardless of whether this is your first time seeking or you’ve already been denied asylum — our South Carolina immigration lawyers may be able to help. Even if you’re already facing removal proceedings, it’s possible to have this process stopped in immigration court. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be allowed to stay in the country, but working with an experienced Greenville asylum attorney may significantly increase your odds.