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Asylum

New York City Asylum Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Guidance & Support

At Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC, we have served prospective immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers in New York for more than fifteen years. We understand the unique challenges you and your loved ones may be facing, and we are here to help.

If you are attempting to enter the United States for fear of persecution or other forms of violence in your home country, please reach out to our New York legal team as soon as possible. We can help you take full advantage of U.S. asylum laws.

Understanding Asylum: Protection from Persecution

In the United States, asylum provides protection by allowing people to stay rather than be deported or removed to a country where they fear persecution or harm.

Send us a message online or call (212) 969-8570 to schedule your free meeting with an asylum attorney in New York City today. Our services are available in English, Spanish, & Russian.

How to Apply for Asylum in the United States

Immigration laws provide special protections and privileges for people fleeing threats of:

  • Oppression
  • Harassment
  • Physical injury
  • Psychological harm
  • Deprivation of basic human rights in their home countries

Asylum Eligibility: Do You Qualify?

You may be eligible for asylum if:

  • Your government has used (or has threatened to use) violence against you;
  • Your government is engaged in targeted violence against a certain race, gender, political group, or another specific class that includes you; or
  • Your government is denying you (or others like you) basic human or civil rights.

You can apply for asylum at a U.S. border or entry point OR from within the United States, even if you entered illegally.

Factors That May Affect Your Asylum Eligibility

  • Move about freely
  • Leave
  • Relocate within your country of origin
  • Otherwise take reasonable steps to flee the danger you face

You might also be ineligible if you are applying for asylee or refugee status from outside the United States (not at a port of entry) or if you have been inside the United States for more than a year without applying for asylum.

After speaking with and undergoing an initial evaluation by an asylum officer, they will recommend that an immigration judge review your case. Even if an asylum officer does not believe you have a good chance of obtaining asylum, you can still personally request a hearing with an immigration judge.

When making your case before the immigration judge, you will have to convince them that you genuinely fear for your wellbeing in your home country.

Local New York City Asylum Support

At Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges faced by those in New York City navigating asylum law. The process can be daunting, especially when you're dealing with the emotional and physical toll of fleeing persecution. Our team is deeply familiar with the local landscape and the resources available to help you through this difficult time.

New York City is home to a diverse population, and local government entities such as the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) offer various forms of support for refugees and asylum seekers. While we are not directly affiliated with these entities, we can guide you on how to access their services to complement your legal journey.

Comprehensive Guidance from Beginning to End

One of the significant pain points for refugees in New York City is the high cost of living, which can make it challenging to find stable housing and employment. Additionally, the complexity of the U.S. asylum process can be overwhelming without proper legal guidance. Our attorneys can help you navigate these challenges, offering compassionate and knowledgeable support every step of the way.

Whether you're residing in Queens, Brooklyn, or Manhattan, our team is well-versed in the specific needs and concerns of refugees in these areas. We are committed to providing personalized legal assistance that takes into account the unique aspects of your situation and the local resources available to you.

Get in touch with Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you find the peace you deserve in New York City.

Get Help from Experienced Asylum Lawyers in NYC

If you are an asylum seeker and need legal representation, get in touch with our New York City attorneys at Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC.

Send us a message online or call (212) 969-8570 to schedule your free meeting with a New York City asylum lawyer today. Our services are available in English, Spanish, & Russian.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I apply for asylum in the United States if I entered the country illegally?

Yes, you can apply for asylum in the United States even if you entered the country illegally. Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC can help you navigate the asylum application process from within the U.S., regardless of your entry method. Our attorneys understand the complexities of immigration law and are committed to advocating for your right to seek protection from persecution.

How can Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC assist me if I fear persecution in my home country?

If you fear persecution in your home country, Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC can assist you by helping you apply for asylum in the United States. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the application process, whether you're at a U.S. border, entry point, or already within the country. We'll work with you to take full advantage of U.S. asylum laws and strive to protect your rights and safety.

How To Apply for Asylum

The asylum process can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on your situation. If you just arrived in the U.S. and want to apply, below are the steps you should take:

  • Within your first year of arrival to the U.S., complete and submit Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
  • Receive 2 notices from USCIS:
    • Acknowledgment of receiving your application
    • Notice to visit an application support center (ASC) to schedule your fingerprinting.
  • Attend the fingerprinting and background/security check appointment.
  • Receive notice for an interview with an asylum officer.
  • Complete the interview. You may bring an attorney with you. If you cannot do the interview in English, you must bring an interpreter.
  • An asylum officer determines if you are eligible to apply for asylum.
  • A supervisory asylum officer reviews the decision.
  • Receive a decision -- either return to the asylum office after 2 weeks to pick up the decision or receive it in the mail.

Call (212) 969-8570 to request a free initial consultation with an asylum attorney in NYC at Smotritsky Law Group.
We are multilingual and are backed by over 15 years of experience. Reach out to our immigration law firm in New York and Newark today.

The Team You Need on Your Side

Founded in 2007, Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC serves clients from all around the world as they work toward their immigration goals in the United States.

We strive to be as accessible as possible every step of the way, scheduling same-day appointments and working to create manageable payment plans.

When you bring your case to our team, you will benefit from the resources of an established law firm as well as the dedication of attorneys who genuinely care for your wellbeing.

Call (212) 969-8570 today for your free consultation with our dedicated legal professionals.

What You Can Expect with Smotritsky Law Group

  • Communication

    We speak English, Spanish and Russian and we are always prepared to provide detailed updates on your case.

  • Convenience

    We promise to be at your side when you need us most. Our main office is conveniently located right next to the New York Immigration Court.

  • Affordability

    Not only do we provide free consultations for our clients, but we also offer payment plans for our services.

  • Experience

    With over 15 years of experience, our team is prepared with the knowledge and skill needed to handle your unique immigration case.

How We Can Help Increase Your Chances of Success

After an immigration judge hears your case, their decision is final and cannot be appealed. That is why it is critical to connect with an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.

By hiring our team, you can drastically improve your ability to communicate your situation clearly and effectively to the immigration judge in a way that will make them sympathetic to your cause.

As your advocates, our team at Smotritsky Law Group, PLLC can help you clearly present your case, handle all hearings related to your asylum request, and work with government officials on your behalf.

We also understand that clients seeking asylum often experience financial difficulty, which is why we provide payment plans for clients who are unable to afford the full cost of representation up front.

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    “Mr. Smotritsky was my H1-B work visa attorney. He quickly solved a problem I had with ICE and saved me from being deported.”

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