Asylum
What is Asylum?
Thousands of people every year flee their country of national origin because of their fear of past or future persecution. When a noncitizen has a fear of being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, particular social group*, or political beliefs, they may have a pathway to citizenship as an asylum-seeker.
* Persons who have an immutable characteristic or a characteristic that is fundamental to their identity and cannot be changed, are considered to be part of a particular social group. Some known particular social groups include LGBTQ+ persons, indigenous tribes, gender, familial status, and many others.
Persecution is determined on a case by case basis. It can include:
Mental or Physical Torture
Genocide
Human Rights Violation(s)
Economic harm such as confiscating one’s business or property
Deprivation of food, housing, employment, or education
Unlawful imprisonment or detention
Physical violence such as assault, beatings, forced labor, or sexual harm
If you fear persecution, it is critical that you apply for asylum within one year of your arrival in the U.S.
Once you apply for asylum, you should be able to apply for work authorization in 150 days.
If you or someone you love are an asylum-seeker, request a consultation today.
Facing the immigration courts and authorities can be scary and having an immigration attorney that you trust to advocate for you can make the difference in the outcome of your case.
Note from Managing Attorney, Nicole M. Norman, Esq.:
“As a gender nonconforming lesbian and a member of the LGBTQ+ Bar, I take LGBTQ+ immigration cases personally and seriously. I understand firsthand what it feels like to be targeted, marginalized, or treated differently because of who you are. I know that sharing your story can be deeply personal, and trusting someone with that part of your life requires courage.
While no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, I believe that compassion, understanding, and lived experience matter. You deserve an attorney who recognizes the human being behind your case, listens without judgment, and approaches your story with the care, dignity, and respect it deserves.
Whether you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer, your identity is not something you should have to defend to the person advocating for you. My commitment is to provide thoughtful, compassionate, and dedicated representation while fighting to protect your rights and help you navigate the immigration process.
You deserve to be seen, heard, and taken seriously. And you deserve an attorney who understands that your case is about more than paperwork — it is about your life, your safety, and your future.”