Asylum and Refugee Lawyer
Experienced Legal Professionals Helping You Find Safety and Security in the USA
Vardanyan Law Group understands tha navigating legal waters as an asylum seeker or refugee in a new country can be difficult, confusing, and frightening. Our dedicated asylum lawyers and refugee lawyers are experienced in helping you and your loved ones get what you need to settle in unfamiliar lands. Contact asylum immigration lawyers, and let us help provide the safety and security everyone deserves.
What is Refugee Status?
The United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) §101(a)(42) defines a refugee as:
“Any person who is outside any country of such person’s nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided, and who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.”
Put simply, a refugee is a person outside their country of origin who is unwilling or unable to return to their country because of a reasonable belief that they will be persecuted. Persecution can be based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
In 2023, more than 450,000 people were granted asylee status in the United States and a further 60,000 were admitted as refugees according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
What is Asylum Status?
Asylum status is a form of legal protection granted to people who are already in the United States or are trying to enter the United States. They must meet the definition of a refugee under the U.S. INA law.
Asylum differs from refugee status in one regard: refugees must apply for refugee status from outside the USA. Asylum seekers must either be in the United States already or trying to enter at a legal border crossing or port.
Asylum seekers can:
- apply for work in the United States.
- apply for a green card after 1 year.
- apply to bring family members with them.
Our Comprehensive Refugee and Asylum Law Services
Vardanyan Law Group has experienced attorneys and professionals that can help you and your family apply for, receive, and manage your refugee or asylee status. We will work tirelessly to make sure you get the best possible outcome as you seek refuge in the United States.
For Individuals Seeking Refugee Status
Our refugee immigration lawyers can help you establish eligibility for refugee status in the United States and ease your transition from refugee to permanent resident.
- Help applying for refugee status
- Represent refugees in court
- File appeals and motions
- Help apply for work authorization and permanent residency
For Individuals Seeking Defensive Asylum Status
Our asylum attorneys can help you apply for and get asylum status if you are already in the United States. We can also help stop removal and deportation processes in immigration court.
- Representation in Immigration Court in removal proceedings
- Developing and presenting your case before an Immigration Judge
- Gathering and presenting evidence
- Legal research and briefing on complex asylum issues
- Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and Federal Courts
Who We Help
We help anyone and everyone who is interested in legally immigrating and remaining in the United States of America due to circumstances in their home country that makes returning undesirable, dangerous, or impossible
Why Choose Vardanyan Law Group as Your Asylum and Deportation Defense Lawyer?
Vardanyan Law Group has well-versed and experienced refugee immigration lawyers that provide refugees and asylum seekers with the legal assistance and reputation they need. We offer:
- extensive experience in handling complex asylum and removal defense cases.
- personalized guidance through every stage of the application and legal process.
- fierce and dedicated advocacy to protect your fundamental human rights.
- expert navigation of intricate U.S. immigration laws and procedures.
- meticulous preparation of your case with a focus on strong evidence and compelling narrative.
- skilled representation during USCIS interviews and Immigration Court hearings.
- compassionate and understanding support throughout your journey.
- a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
“Professional, knowledgeable, and results-driven. Vardanyan Law Agency exceeded my expectations and handled my case with care and expertise.”
“Incredible support and clear communication throughout. I felt confident and well-represented by the team at Vardanyan Law.”
Frequently Asked Questions.
You are not legally required to have an asylum immigration lawyer or refugee lawyer for your asylum process in the U.S., and many people apply on their own by filing Form I-589. However, having a lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success. An immigration attorney can help you complete paperwork correctly, gather supporting evidence, prepare for interviews or court hearings, and represent you before an immigration judge if your case is referred to court.
Asylum seekers can stay in the U.S. while their case is being processed, which can take months or even years, depending on the backlog and whether the case is affirmative or defensive. If asylum is approved, they can stay indefinitely, apply for a green card after 1 year, and eventually for U.S. citizenship. If asylum is denied, they may be ordered to leave the U.S., unless they qualify for an appeal or another form of protection.
Yes, asylum seekers can be deported if their application is denied and they don’t qualify for any other legal protection. If a person is in removal proceedings (defensive asylum) and the judge rejects the claim, they may receive a final order of removal.
However, asylum seekers have the right to appeal the decision during which they might not be deported. Some may also apply for other forms of relief, like withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture, which can delay or prevent deportation.
There are several factors that can disqualify a person for asylum status.
Missing the 1-year deadline to apply after arriving in the U.S.unless you qualify for an exception like changed circumstances.
Having committed a serious crime, especially a violent felony.
Being involved in terrorism or persecuting others.
Already settling in another country considered to be safe prior to coming to the USA.
Filing an intentionally misleading or fake asylum claim.
The main difference is that refugees apply for refugee status from outside the United States and asylum seekers apply from the border or inside the United States.
A refugee applies from outside the country, usually through the U.S.Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). They are screened prior to entering the country.
An asylum seeker applies either at the U.S.border or after already entering the United States. They must prove that they qualify for refugee status and can face deportation if they fail to do so.
Refugee status is granted to people who fear persecution in their country of origin because of their race, religion, nationality, politics, or social group.
In most cases, visiting your home country after receiving asylum in the U.S.is strongly discouraged and can put your asylum status at risk.
If you return to the country you claimed to fear, U.S. immigration authorities may see it as evidence that your fear of persecution was not genuine. This can lead to the revocation of your asylum status, denial of a green card, or complications with future citizenship.
If there is an urgent need, such as a funeral or medical emergency, refugees can get a Refugee Travel Document, but should consult an immigration lawyer before making travel plans.
A refugee is defined in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 101(a)(42) as a person who is outside their country of nationality and is unable or unwilling to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, politics, or social group.
Yes, if you have refugee or asylee status in the U.S., you can apply to reunite with certain family members.
Specifically, you can petition for your spouse and unmarried children under 21 using Form I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. You must file this form within 2 years of being granted refugee or asylum status, though late filings may be accepted in special situations.
No, there is no government fee to apply for refugee status in the United States. The application process is free, and the information provided will not be shared with the refugee’s home country.
No, the information provided by a refugee in their application will not be shared with your home country. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is bound by strict confidentiality regulations that prohibit disclosing any details related to asylum or refugee applications to third parties, including foreign governments, without your explicit written consent or specific authorization from the Secretary of Homeland Security.
These measures are in place to protect the safety of the refugee and that of their family, ensuring that their application remains confidential and does not expose them to potential risks from their country of origin.
Yes, if you have refugee status in the U.S., you are immediately authorized to work upon arrival. You do not need to apply separately for work authorization.
You will receive a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) marked with "Employment Authorized," and you can apply for a Social Security number right away. You’re also eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), but it’s not required to start working—your refugee status already gives you that right.
Yes, if you have asylee status in the U.S., you are automatically authorized to work—you do not need to apply for a work permit to be legally employed.
However, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (Form I-765) if you want a physical card to show to employers as proof of work eligibility. While it's not required, many asylees apply for an EAD for convenience or identification purposes.
If your asylum application is not granted, the outcome depends on how you applied.
If you submitted your application through the affirmative process with USCIS and you are not in legal immigration status, your case will typically be referred to immigration court, where you can present your claim again through defensive asylum before an immigration judge.
If you applied through the defensive process and the judge denies your case, you may receive a removal order, meaning you could be deported. However, you still have options. You can appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days, and in some cases, you may be eligible for other forms of protection such as withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
It’s highly recommended to speak with an immigration attorney if your asylum application is denied.
