Chicago Asylum Lawyers

Individuals who believe that they are unable to return to their native countries because they have suffered persecution or have a reasonable fear of suffering persecution in the future due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion may qualify for asylum, which allows an individual from another country to remain in the United States. While many people confuse refugee status with asylum, the two are different, as asylum seekers must be physically present in the United States in order to apply for asylum.

Our team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC knows the importance of your asylum claim. Over the last five decades, we have successfully represented countless clients in asylum applications, visa petitions, and deportation defense cases. With a deep understanding of immigration policies and a client-focused approach, we are committed to providing empathetic, personalized, and effective legal services to help you achieve your immigration goals.

The information we have provided below is intended to answer some of the most frequent questions regarding asylum in the United States. For more information or for specific advice regarding your situation, contact us to speak with an immigration lawyer today.

Who We Assist

Wherever you are in the asylum process, our team is here to listen and guide you with compassion and care. We can help when:

• You fear returning to your home country but are not sure whether what you experienced or fear meets the legal requirements for asylum.
• You have been in the United States for close to a year, or longer, and worry that you may have missed the deadline to apply.
• You fled quickly, have few documents, and find it painful to relive difficult events each time you are asked to explain your story.
• You worry that gaps or inconsistencies in your account could hurt your case and want guidance on how to address them.
• You received a Notice to Appear or entered removal proceedings and fear being sent back to danger, and you need to present your claim as a defense against removal.

No matter where you stand today, reach out for a consultation, and let us help you seek the protection you need.

How Do I Apply for Asylum?

In order to apply for asylum, a person must be physically present in the United States and file his or her application within one year of arrival, subject to certain limited exceptions. In order to apply, you file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with the appropriate service center. The form requires a significant amount of information about the applicant’s background, including information about the persecution that was suffered or feared, his or her family history, work history, and criminal history. Applicants must support their application with detailed testimony regarding their fear of return to their home country and as much supporting documentation as possible. Applicants are also required to attend an interview with a trained Asylum Officer regarding their application.

Applications for asylum are decided on a case-by-case basis, so it is important for those seeking asylee status to ensure that they provide immigration authorities with complete and accurate documentation and information regarding their situations.

Does Being Granted Asylum Allow Me to Legally Work in the United States?

Yes. Individuals who have been granted asylum may legally work in the United States. Most asylees should also obtain Employment Authorization Documents for the purpose of identification or use with potential employers. In addition, people who have not yet been granted asylum may be eligible for employment authorization if the following facts are true:

• 150 days have passed since their application for asylum was filed, excluding any delays that were the filer’s fault; and
• A decision has not yet been made on the individual’s application.

Unfortunately, a wide range of actions may be considered the filer’s fault and may stop the accrual of time. It is critical to seek the advice of a qualified lawyer in this situation.

Can Asylees Obtain a Green Card?

People who have been granted asylum may apply for a green card (permanent resident status) after one year. In addition, family members who have obtained derivative asylum may also apply for a green card. Obtaining a green card is an essential part of the path to full citizenship, as individuals who have had a permanent resident status for five years and are otherwise eligible may apply for naturalization.

Benefits of Working With KB&A for Your Asylum Application

• Decades of Immigration Experience: Our team has spent over 50 years exclusively practicing in the realm of immigration and nationality law.
• Experience With Asylum and Protection-Based Cases: We help clients pursue asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture, tailoring each case to your unique story and circumstances.
• Strength in Removal Defense and Federal Court Litigation: When an asylum case becomes contested or delayed, we are prepared to defend you in immigration court and, when needed, pursue relief through federal court litigation.
• Sensitive and Effective Case Preparation: We approach your story with patience and respect, helping you share difficult experiences in a way that supports a strong, credible claim.
• Careful Attention to Complications: We anticipate and address the issues that can put an asylum case at risk, including filing deadlines, evidence gathering, credibility concerns, prior immigration history, and more.
• Accessible, Multilingual Service: We serve clients in English, Spanish, and Polish and provide step-by-step guidance through every case, ensuring clear communication when it matters most.

Contact Our Asylum Lawyers Today to Schedule a Consultation

Individuals who are seeking asylum in the United States should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer as soon as possible. The assistance of a legal professional can have a direct impact on whether or not your application for asylum is accepted and can often help avoid any potential issues that may arise. To schedule a consultation with one of our asylum lawyers, call us today at 312-332-2550.

FAQs About Asylum