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Asylum
Asylum is granted to individuals who have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applications must be filed within one year of arrival in the United States (Form I-589). The process includes preparing an affidavit, gathering evidence, and either a USCIS interview or immigration court hearing.
📋Requirements
- •Physical presence in the United States
- •Filing within 1 year of arrival
- •Evidence of persecution or well-founded fear
- •Persecution based on one of the 5 protected grounds
- •No aggravated felony convictions
📄Required Documents
- •Form I-589 (Application for Asylum)
- •Detailed personal declaration (affidavit)
- •Evidence of persecution (photos, medical records, police reports)
- •Country conditions reports
- •Support letters from witnesses
- •Passport and entry documents
- •English translations of all documents
⏱️Processing Times
- •Filing I-589: within 1 year of arrival
- •USCIS interview (affirmative): 2-6 months after filing
- •Decision after interview: 2-8 weeks
- •Court hearing (defensive): 1-3 years wait
- •BIA appeal: 6-12 months
- •Employment Authorization (EAD): 180 days after filing
💰Costs
- •I-589 filing fee: free
- •Employment Authorization (EAD): free when filed with I-589
- •Attorney fees: $3,000 - $15,000 (varies by complexity)
- •Document translation: $50 - $500
- •Medical examination (I-693): $200 - $500
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