People in different parts of the world are being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, particular social group (PSG), and political opinion. Fearing for their lives, seeking asylum seems to be their only hope. When applying for asylum in the United States, finding an immigration lawyer to help and represent you in court is crucial. Your chances for asylum will depend on the documents you will be submitting and from your individual merits hearing. If I am requesting for my asylum hearing for the first time in removal proceedings, you will need to submit your documents by the date the immigration judge will set during your hearing.
Table of Contents
What happens in an asylum hearing?
There are two hearings in an asylum case: the master calendar hearing (MCH) and the individual merits hearing.
What happens in the MCH?
It is a preliminary hearing on immigration and for the removal of an immigrant in the United States. The immigration judge will schedule dates for submission of your documents and your individual merits hearing. And may review your NTA (notice to appear).
Setting a timeline for your immigration/asylum case is the main objective.
What happens in the individual merits hearing?
Your application and claims why the immigration judge (IJ) should grant you asylum will be addressed in detail.
The IJ and a trial attorney from the department of homeland security (DHS) will request you to tell your story and defense to test your credibility.
If, at some point, you find yourself confused with the DHS trial attorney’s questions, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. The goal is to be honest, consistent, and credible with your claims/defense.
What do immigration lawyers do in an asylum hearing?
Finding a good immigration lawyer is crucial. They will answer most of the IJ’s questions on your behalf. They can make or break your asylum application by addressing the judge’s and DHS trial attorney’s concerns and convince the IJ to grant you asylum.
Where to find immigration lawyers that will represent me?
You can look online for non-profit immigration law firms that help refugees around the world. Humanitarian groups that are willing to provide you legal support or experienced immigration law firms can provide you with legal consultations and attorneys with a history of getting asylum applications approved.
What will I need to submit before my asylum hearing?
You will need to file and prepare your form I-589, “Application for Asylum and withholding of removal,” with the USCIS.
If you are requesting asylum for the first time in removal proceedings, you will need to submit your documents by the date the immigration judge will set during your hearing. Keep in mind that you should submit your form I-589 to the USCIS within one year of being in the US to be eligible for asylum.
Your immigration lawyer can help you fulfill all your requirements. As well as give you the best chance to get your asylum application approved.
