Are you seeking asylum or refugee status in the United States? Navigating the complex U.S. immigration system can be challenging, but our experienced attorneys at Spektor, Spektor & Berman, P.C. can help. With our Asylum and Refugee services, we can guide you through the legal process to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Spektor, Spektor & Berman, P.C. is a leading law firm in immigration law. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping immigrants navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. We understand the challenges faced by those seeking asylum and refugee status, and we’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate service to each client. Our Asylum and Refugee services are designed to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

How We Can Help Asylum and Refugees 

Asylum and refugee status are two forms of protection granted to individuals who fear persecution in their home country. Asylum is given to individuals already in the United States. At the same time, refugee status is granted to individuals who are outside the U.S. and are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution.

A. Asylum Applications

What is Asylum? – Asylum is a legal protection granted by the United States to individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution, fear of persecution, or a well-founded fear of serious harm based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. If you can show to the government that your life or freedom might be in danger if you are sent back to your home country, you may qualify to receive asylum status and live in the United States. 

The process of seeking asylum involves making a formal application and providing evidence to demonstrate the need for protection. We provide guidance and representation for both affirmative and defensive asylum applications. Our attorneys will work with you to prepare and submit your application and represent you at asylum interviews and hearings.

Affirmative vs. Defensive asylum applications. – If your case is currently pending in Immigration Court, you must file a defensive asylum application and have a hearing about the facts of your case before an Immigration Judge. If your case is not currently docketed in immigration court, you must file an affirmative asylum application with the Asylum Office and have an interview about the facts of your case.

Examples of asylum cases: We have represented thousands of asylum seekers. Political opponents persecuted for speaking out against the government; religious minorities, who are prohibited from practicing their religion; women in abusive relationships who are unable to get help from police to stop their abusers; people who are forced to participate in gangs; women and children forced to undergo female genital mutilation;  members of the LGBTQ community who are not able to live in their country and many many more.  We have helped represent these and others in front of the immigration judges in all the states all over the country. We have also helped many of our clients reopen their previously denied cases and help obtain them legal status in the United States. 

B. Family Petitions for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

We can assist you in filing for derivative asylum for eligible family members and adjustment of status for immediate relatives. This means after you have won your asylum claim, you can file for your family members to join you in the United States. We can also help with family reunification. For instance, we helped a Cambodian client apply for derivative asylum for her children, who were still in Cambodia, and successfully reunited them with her in the United States after they were granted asylum.

D. Appeals and Motions

If your asylum or refugee status application has been denied, we can help you file an appeal or motion to reopen or reconsider. We will represent you in federal court appeals if necessary. We have successfully represented clients in asylum appeals and actions and helped them reopen their cases or reconsider their claims.

E. Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

We can assist you with TPS applications and renewals, including guidance on eligibility and requirements. We will also represent you in removal proceedings involving TPS. For instance, we assisted a client from El Salvador in obtaining TPS and renewing it multiple times, which helped him avoid being deported back to his home country.

F. Withholding of Removal and Convention Against Torture (CAT) Protection

Our attorneys can assess your eligibility for withholding of removal or CAT protection and can assist you in preparing and submitting applications. We will represent you in hearings and appeals. For instance, we helped a client from China obtain withholding of removal after he fled persecution due to his religious beliefs.

G. Work Permits and Employment Authorization

We can help you obtain work permits for asylum seekers and refugees and can assist with renewing or replacing employment authorization documents. We can also help to apply for a social security number. 

H. Political Asylum

We understand the unique challenges and the requirements that are associated with political persecution and will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf. By guiding you through the application process, gathering essential documentation, and representing you at interviews and hearings, our team will help you navigate the complexities of the political asylum system to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

I. Deferred Action

Our experienced attorneys at Spektor, Spektor & Berman, P.C. can also assist individuals eligible for deferred action, which temporarily protects certain immigrants from deportation and grants them work authorization. We will help you determine if you qualify for programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or other forms of deferred action, and guide you through the application process. Our team will ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted and will provide support throughout the entire process, significantly improving your prospects of receiving deferred action relief.

J. Mandamus Petitions

We understand the frustration and anxiety that can arise when immigration applications are delayed or stalled by government agencies. Our immigration attorneys are well-versed in handling mandamus petitions, which are legal actions that can compel government agencies to adjudicate delayed immigration applications. We will carefully examine your case to determine if a mandamus petition is suitable, prepare a persuasive petition, and represent you in court, if necessary, to ensure that your immigration case receives the attention it deserves.

Why Choose Spektor, Spektor & Berman, P.C.?

If you’re seeking asylum or refugee status in the United States, contact Spektor, Spektor & Berman, P.C. today to schedule a consultation. We offer both phone and in-person consultations, during which we will assess your case and provide guidance on how to proceed. We’re here to help you achieve your immigration goals and provide you with the support you need throughout the legal process.