Sherman Oaks Asylum Attorney

Comprehensive Asylum Assistance in Sherman Oaks, CA

Asylum is a special class of immigration reserved for individuals who fear persecution in their home country that could be escaped if they remain in the United States. Asylum generally refers to individuals in these circumstances who are already residing in the country but are not citizens or lawful permanent residents.

One must apply for asylum status, which entitles you to indefinitely live and work in the United States and eventually enables you to apply for lawful permanent residency and citizenship. To successfully do so, you will have to prove you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country, which is not always easy to demonstrate. Our Sherman Oaks asylum lawyer Anaida Zadykyan can represent you throughout the process, assist in building your case, and help you explore all available legal tools that can result in a positive outcome.

• Related: Why Asylum is Important?

If you believe that seeking asylum might be necessary to your safety, do not go it alone. Call (818) 600-6322 or contact us online to request a free consultation with Zadykyan Law. We offer services in English, Russian, and Armenian!

Eligibility Criteria for Asylum in the United States

To be granted asylum status, you will have to convince a United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) officer that you have a well-founded fear of persecution if you are returned to your home country. You will need to provide evidence in the form of documentation and testimony as part of a lengthy interview scheduled with USCIS officers.

Persecution is defined as a government’s intent to pursue and harm someone on account of one or more of several factors, including:

• Political beliefs
• Sexual orientation
• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Any other social group with some common identity, such as women seeking political rights

Persecution can also be established in situations where there are organizations seeking to inflict harm on the grounds that the country’s government refuses to attempt to stop. Any intent to commit violent crimes, such as torture or rape, also qualifies if they are carried out on the grounds described above.

Timely Application for Asylum: What You Need to Know

There are specific methods in which you are typically required to apply for asylum status. One route is to enter the United States lawfully through a nonimmigrant visa, such as a student visa or visitor’s visa, and then apply within the country within 1 year of your entrance. All noncitizens should apply for asylum within 1 year of your presence in the country, even if your continued presence after 1 year is lawful as part of your visa

Alternatively, you can inform border officials that you are seeking asylum at a port of entry. This subjects you to immediate asylum petitioning procedures, and it is unlikely you will be admitted into the country immediately; you are more likely be held in immigration detention until your case is decided.

Overcoming the One-Year Deadline for Asylum in the U.S.

If you are not a citizen or lawful permanent resident and have been in the country for more than a year, applying for asylum can be significantly more challenging. In these circumstances, you should strongly consider retaining legal services to help you approach USCIS about seeking asylum status. Successfully obtaining asylum in these situations is not impossible, as there are exceptions to the 1-year rule in which the applicant has experienced “changed circumstances” that justify the delay. For example, if you are Christian, and a new government in your home country declares their intent to prosecute and kill Christians, you would likely have grounds to seek asylum in the United States, even if you were present for greater than 1 year.

Local Support for Asylum Seekers in Sherman Oaks, CA

Living in Sherman Oaks, CA, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, but for people seeking asylum, navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system can be daunting. Fortunately, Sherman Oaks has numerous resources that can provide support and guidance during this challenging time.

Understanding the local landscape is crucial for those seeking asylum. The City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services offer various programs to assist refugees with housing, healthcare, and other essential services. While our firm does not directly partner with these entities, we can help you connect with these resources to ensure you receive the support you need.

One of the significant pain points for asylum seekers in Sherman Oaks is the high cost of living. Finding affordable housing can be particularly challenging, especially when you are also dealing with the emotional and financial stress of seeking asylum. Our team at Zadykyan Law understands these local challenges and can provide tailored advice to help you navigate these obstacles.

Additionally, the diverse community in Sherman Oaks means that language barriers can often be a concern. We offer services in English, Russian, and Armenian to ensure that language is not a barrier to receiving the legal assistance you need. Whether attending a hearing at the Los Angeles Immigration Court or meeting with local support organizations, we can help you communicate effectively and understand your rights and options.

At Zadykyan Law, we are committed to helping people in Sherman Oaks find safety and stability. We know the local area, understand the unique challenges you face, and are here to guide you every step of the way. If you seek asylum, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Together, we can work towards a brighter future.

Continue scrolling below to learn about the differences between asylum and withholding of removal.