What is an Asylum Seeker?
An asylum seeker is a person who leaves their country of residence and looks to enter another country. They apply for asylum in another country. Typically, they leave their initial country to seek protection from persecution and grave human rights violations. They have not been legally recognized as a refugee and are usually waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim. One can be an asylum seeker as long as they have fled their home in search of safety and protection in another country. They do this because they cannot obtain protection in their home country. They must seek protection elsewhere.
What is The Difference Between an Asylum Seeker and an Immigrant?
The difference between someone seeking asylum and an immigrant is that an immigrant chooses to leave their country of origin. A refugee or asylum seeker is compelled to seek asylum in another country due to fear of their life and injustices to human rights. One is because of choice, and the other is due to safety issues and human injustices.
What Are The Different Types of Asylum in The United States?
In the United States, there are two paths to claim asylum. There is the affirmative asylum process, which is for individuals who are not in removal proceedings. There is also the defensive asylum process, which is for individuals who are in removal proceedings.
What is a Removal Proceeding in The United States?
In the United States, a removal proceeding is a hearing that is held before an immigration judge to determine whether an individual may remain in the United States. Typically, these proceedings begin when the government claims that an individual has no valid immigration status. It can also be if the government feels as if the individual has done something to end their valid immigration status. These hearings will declare whether or not an individual may remain living in the United States and seek asylum. If an individual decides to go down the defensive asylum process, they must fill out a defensive application for asylum. This occurs when the individual requests asylum as a defense against removal from the United States. In order to be in a processing defensive hearing, you must be in a removal proceeding in an Immigration Court with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). You can read more about how to obtain asylum in the United States on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
What Are Your Rights and Options as an Asylum Seeker in Seattle?
In Seattle, knowing that you have rights and options as an asylum seeker is essential. In Seattle, we have the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This committee provides opportunities and resources for refugees, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other types of people. Under the United States immigration law, a person who is granted asylum is legally allowed to remain in the country without deportation. They can work, travel, and apply for their spouse or children under the age of 21 to join them. Your first step as an asylum seeker in Seattle would be to try to get in contact with the International Rescue Committee as well as find an experienced immigration lawyer.
What Can An Immigration Lawyer Do For You?
The immigration law firm at Stelmakh & Associates LLC has experienced lawyers who are focused exclusively on the practice of United States immigration law. We typically advise immigrants and refugees on political asylum applicants when they fear persecution in their home country. If you fear persecution upon returning to your home country, you could be eligible for political asylum in the United States. In order to qualify for asylum, persecution must be something more substantial, such as human rights violations, torture, unlawful or political detention, physical violence, or infliction of severe emotional distress. If you were considering asking the United States government for asylum, we recommend getting in contact with us as soon as possible. We have experienced immigration lawyers on our team to help you fight and seek the justice you deserve. We want to represent you and your best interests at heart. We understand what it’s like to want a life full of freedom, and we are here for you during this time.
You Deserve Freedom, And We Want to Help You Reach It
We understand how terrifying asylum-seeking can be in the United States. You can feel safer here with our experienced immigration law firm. We have lawyers who are passionate advocates for the safety of you and your family. No one should have to experience fear for their life or their loved ones. We want to keep families together and have you create a safer life here in the United States. At Stelmakh & Associates LLC, we have your best interest in mind when working with you to ask the United States government for asylum. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you seek the freedom you deserve, help you move along with your status with the government asylum process, and help you understand the terminology that comes up during this lengthy process of freedom. To learn more about immigration law, seeking asylum, what your rights are as an asylum seeker, and how to start the asylum process, contact an experienced immigration lawyer at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC today by calling 206-605-0550.