Phoenix Asylum Lawyer

Dedicated and Empathetic Legal Advocacy from an Immigrant Attorney

The United States offers asylum, or protection against persecution, to foreign nationals in danger. The process for applying for asylum can be complicated though, so it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the process. Essien Law Firm is personally and professionally dedicated to supporting immigrants and foreign nationals seeking to stay in the US. We are led by an immigrant herself, so you can trust that we have your best interests in mind as we fight for your immigration right to asylum. 

We will empathize with your needs and concerns and make sure you feel genuinely supported all the way through.


If you need help applying for asylum, contact Essien Immigration Law for a Phoenix citizenship lawyer at 602-833-2650.


Schedule a free consultation with Essien Law Group for more information. Representing individuals in Maricopa County and across Arizona.

Who Qualifies for Asylum?

Asylum grants legal protection to foreign nationals residing in the United States or arriving at the border who meet the legal definition of “refugee.” Under international law and the US Refugee Act of 1980, a person is considered a refugee if they are unable or unwilling to return to their home country and cannot obtain protection in that country due to: 

  • past persecution; or 
  • a reasonable fear of being persecuted in the future because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

You have the burden of proving that you meet the definition of a refugee. To do so, you can provide substantial evidence by demonstrating either past persecution or a “well-founded fear” of future persecution in your home country. This is critical for the success of your asylum application.

While most individuals who are refugees qualify for asylum, certain factors prohibit individuals from obtaining asylum. For instance, those who are found to pose a danger to the US will be barred from obtaining asylum.  


Contact us today for a consultation at (602) 833-2650 or via message and let the lawyer who was once an immigrant fight for you.


What Does Asylum Do?

A person granted asylum (an asylee) is protected from being returned to their home country and is authorized to work in the United States. They retain several benefits of residing in the US, including being eligible to apply for a Social Security card and requesting permission to travel overseas. They can also petition to bring family members to the United States. Some asylees may also be eligible for government programs like Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance. 

After a year, asylees may apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card). Once an asylee becomes a permanent resident, they must wait four years before applying for citizenship.

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Hear From Our Clients

    Immigration is very complicated and you need an intelligent attorney to represent you, Lelia is that attorney.

    - Phillis M.

    I have used multiple attorneys in the past and Lelia has proven to exceed my expectations, she was completely understanding, professional and worked very diligently to the end and I’m so grateful!

    - Walter S.

    I have to admit that I was really impressed by the way she handle the case to bring it to a successful outcome in a very short period of time.

    - Elie Z.

    We are grateful to you Lelia Adams for your efforts you made since the very beginning of my husband Aloysius Davis Immigration process from South Korea

    - Alice D.

    Her knowledge of the laws when it comes to immigration is impeccable.

    - Timothy W.
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Applying for Asylum

Individuals can apply for asylum through one of two ways – the affirmative process and the defensive process. Individuals who are not currently in removal proceedings may affirmatively apply for asylum with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the USCIS does not approve the asylum application, they may be referred to the immigration court for removal proceedings, where they may renew their request for asylum through the defensive process.

A person who is currently in removal proceedings may apply for asylum through the defensive process by filing the application with an immigration judge and acts as a defense against removal from the US. Asylum seekers who arrive at a US port of entry or who enter the US without inspection must generally apply through the defensive process. 

You must apply for asylum within one year of your most recent arrival in the United States. Failing to apply within this deadline may throw out your application. Unfortunately, for many cases, missing this one-year deadline was the sole reason the asylum application was denied.

If you are seeking asylum in the United States, contact Essien Law Firm for experienced assistance. We can help you determine your eligibility for asylum, how to apply affirmatively or defensively, and make sure you file your application by the one-year deadline. We recognize how life-changing asylum can be for you, and we will do our best to help you obtain the protection and fresh start in life you deserve.


Schedule a free consultation with Essien Law Firm to get started on your asylum application immediately.


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