Asylum Based on Religion

When you and your family can’t live peacefully in your own country because of your religious beliefs, you may be eligible to come to the United States under the rules governing asylum based on religion. Immigration regulations change constantly and are difficult for the layperson to effectively track. To ensure you file for asylum using all the correct procedures, rely on the expertise of immigration lawyers well-versed in the rules surrounding religious faith asylum claims. Call those experts in New York City at Kats Immigration Law. They can help.

What Is Asylum Based on Religion?

The United States immigration system offers you asylum if your religious beliefs put you at risk of serious harm or persecution in your home country. You must prove that your home country’s government is unable to protect you from harassment, violence, imprisonment or severe discrimination because of your faith.

Whether you’re seeking asylum based on your racial identity, nationality, political opinion, membership in a particular social group or your religious faith, you must be physically present in the United States or arriving at a U.S. port of entry to apply. This ensures that you’re meeting specific requirements set by U.S. immigration law.

The asylum application process is a complicated procedure, which can be difficult for you to handle on your own. At Kats Immigration Law, you can take advantage of their qualified asylum attorney. Alina Kats helps you compile all the necessary evidence to seek your safety and freedom in the United States.

How Can I Prove Religious Persecution?

You can prove religious persecution by sharing your experiences of persecution, such as the specific harmful situations you faced, as well as the dates and locations where you’ve been mistreated due to your faith. You must prove through your statements and supporting documentation how your religious beliefs affect you and how you’ve been harmed because of those beliefs.

Your NYC asylum attorney advises that you always provide correct information because any inconsistencies can make you look untrustworthy. Other documents that contain detailed descriptions and are notarized may prove helpful in proving religious persecution and may include:

• Witness statements from family members, friends and other people who have witnessed the harm you face and persecution you’ve endured, which provide additional perspectives on the persecution
• Affidavits and letters from community members, religious leaders, professors, employers or other credible sources who can attest to your religious beliefs
• Government and NGO reports from authentic sources like the U.S. Department of State, United Nations, Human Rights Watch, as well as documentation of general religious persecution similar to what you’ve experienced, and which confirms the conditions in your home country
• Media articles and publications from newspapers, magazine, academic studies and other credible publications that detail the persecution of people with your religious beliefs in your country
• Photographs and video, providing visual evidence of your involvement in religious activities like attending services, participating in religious ceremonies or engaging in community events

You can also include any legal documents related to your persecution like court records, asylum applications in other countries, or deportation orders that further support your contention that you’re persecuted for your faith. If you reported incidents to the local police or other authorities, copies of these reports. Even if the authorities don’t act, your complaint can be used as evidence.

What Is the Process for Applying for Asylum Based on Religion?

Your asylum process begins by determining whether you meet the eligibility criteria for asylum based on your religious beliefs. You need to collect and organize all required evidence before initiating the process to support your claim. You must complete form I-589, Application for Asylum and for withholding of removal. You can get this form on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The steps to complete the process usually include:

• Filing the complete application form with supporting documents within one year of your initial contact with immigration authorities
• Attending biometrics appointments where your fingerprints, photograph and signature are taken for background checks
• Preparing for your asylum interview in which you may practice answering questions about your religious beliefs, experiences of persecution and reasons for seeking asylum
• Attending your asylum interview with an asylum officer

After the interview, your dedicated asylum officer reviews your application, goes over your responses and supporting documents and makes a decision based on the evidence you presented. If USCIS rejects your application, you may have the opportunity to present your case before an immigration judge through an immigration appeal. You can submit additional evidence in the hearing process to strengthen your case.

How Does an Immigration Attorney Help with an Asylum Claim Based on Religion?

An immigration attorney helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and provides an honest assessment of your chances of success. They know what types of documentation are most compelling and how to present them effectively. An asylum lawyer makes sure that all necessary information is included in your application and that it’s filed correctly on time. An experienced attorney may offer you services that include:

• Collecting clear, irrefutable proof of your claim
• Preparing your application without any errors
• Representing you in interviews and hearings
• Meeting the deadlines and tracking the asylum clock
• Ensuring you comply with all legal requirements and standards
• Following up with the appeals procedure before the Board of Immigration Appeals

Attorneys at Kat Immigration Law help you deal with your post asylum procedures as well, ensuring that you receive the support you need for a smooth transition to the U.S. by assisting you in obtaining your work permit and green card.  Contact Kats Immigration Law in Brooklyn and Manhattan to rebuild your life without fear of deportation.