Asylum Representation

Experienced Immigration and Asylum Attorney

Ever since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the United States has made it considerably more difficult for anyone seeking asylum. What was already a confusing process was made even more challenging by a host of additional requirements, procedures and deadlines. At the law office of Brian D. O'Neill in Morristown, New Jersey, we represent people seeking asylum or other refugee protection in the United States. Contact us for a free initial telephone consultation about obtaining asylum or asylum-type relief.

You have one year from the date you arrive in the United States to file an affirmative asylum application. The standard used to obtain affirmative asylum protection is that he or she is unwilling or unable to return to the home country because of past persecution, or a “well-founded fear” of future persecution, because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. We will handle your affirmative application for asylum protection with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office of the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS).

There are other types of asylum protection available outside of the one-year period for people in immigration court. If a person is facing deportation or removal, he or she may apply for defensive asylum protection. There are two types of defensive protections you may obtain: ”Withholding of Removal” or ”Withholding Under the Convention Against Torture”. This protection is mandatory if certain evidentiary requirements are met. We will apply for defensive asylum protection if you are in court on an immigration matter.

Like any other immigration matter, preparation is the key to succeeding in an asylum claim. There is a fine balance between providing sufficient information on an application and providing too much information. Very few people should attempt to fill out this application without the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer. We will gather credible facts and corroborating evidence before filing an application for affirmative or defensive asylum.

At the law office of Brian D. O'Neill, we represent people seeking asylum in the United States. To learn more about remaining in the U.S. legally, contact us for a free initial phone consultation.