Immigration Law

What is Asylum?

Are you afraid to go home? If you have been harmed in your country in the past or your think you would be harmed in your country in the future, you may be able to apply for asylum in the United States. To be eligible for asylum, you must establish that you were or would be harmed either by your country’s government or a group that your government cannot control. You also must establish that you were or would be harmed because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or social group.

You must apply for asylum within one year of entering the United States. Please come see us before that deadline. If you have missed the one-year deadline, you may still be able to file for asylum if we can prove that there were certain reasons why you did not apply. In addition, if you missed the deadline, you may still be able to apply for two other forms of relief: withholding of removal and relief under the Convention Against Torture.

There are two ways you can file for asylum and we can help you with either. If you are in the United States and have not been summoned to Immigration Court, you may file an application directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This is called an affirmative asylum application. If you have already been summoned to Immigration Court, you can apply for asylum with the Court. This is called a defensive application.

Either way, the asylum process is very complicated and difficult. We are proud to say that we have an extremely high success rate of asylum approvals. We would be honored to help you through this process from beginning to end.

Of utmost importance to people is the work permission associated with an application for asylum. Whether you file for asylum affirmatively, or in front of an Immigration Judge, you can file for work permission 180 days after your application has been received by the government, unless it has been denied before that time.

Once you are granted asylum, you are allowed to live and work in the United States and are eligible for federal benefits. You can also file for your spouse and children to join you in the United States if they are still back home or elsewhere. One year after you get asylum, you may apply for permanent residence (a green card) and will be on the path to citizenship.

Why Work With Maris Immigration Law?

For individuals who are afraid to return to their home country, applying for asylum can be an essential step toward securing safety and protection in the United States, but the asylum process is often complex, detailed, and emotionally challenging. It is incredibly important to submit a thorough, complete, and accurate application supported by strong evidence.

Even small mistakes or insufficient documentation can create huge problems for an asylum application. Because so much is at stake, having experienced legal guidance can be critical. An attorney can help ensure your application clearly presents your story, meets all legal requirements, and is supported by the evidence needed to give you the strongest possible chance of success.

At Maris Immigration Law, while we are based in Colorado and represent clients in Denver, Aurora, and Boulder, we also represent asylum seekers across the United States in affirmative asylum matters before USCIS and in immigration court proceedings nationwide where permitted. We specifically help asylum seekers by:

• Evaluating eligibility under U.S. asylum law

• Ensuring compliance with the one-year filing deadline

• Working with clients to prepare detailed personal asylum declarations

• Gathering supporting evidence and country condition documentation

• Preparing clients thoroughly for USCIS interviews or court hearings

• Assisting with work authorization applications

Perhaps most importantly, we understand that many asylum seekers have experienced trauma. We approach each case with sensitivity while working with clients to build the strongest legal arguments possible.

If you are seeking protection in the United States, we are prepared to guide you through each step of the process with clarity, compassion, and commitment.

The attorneys at Maris Immigration Law have been handling asylum cases for more than 15 years, and have represented hundreds of asylum-seekers. Contact our Boulder office today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asylum

• How do I apply for asylum in Colorado?

If you are not in removal proceedings, you may apply for asylum by filing Form I-589 with USCIS within one year of your last arrival in the United States. If you live in Colorado, the Houston Asylum Office will have jurisdiction over your case, and you will eventually be scheduled for an interview at the USCIS Denver Field Office. 

If you are in removal proceedings, you apply defensively before the Denver Immigration Court. An experienced asylum lawyer can help determine the correct process.

• What is the deadline to file for asylum?

In most cases, you must file within one year of arriving in the United States. There are limited exceptions. Missing this deadline can make your case significantly more difficult.

• How long does the asylum process take in Colorado?

Processing times can vary dramatically on factors that are largely out of your control. 

For those living in Colorado, affirmative asylum cases filed with USCIS could take over 10 years; however, limited cases could be scheduled for interview within a few months of filing the asylum application. 

Asylum cases in Denver immigration court can likewise take several years due to court backlogs.

• Can I work while my asylum case is pending?

You may apply for work authorization 150 days after filing your asylum application, if no delays are caused by you. Work permits are typically issued after 180 days or more.

• Can my spouse or children be included in my asylum application?

Certain family members may be included as derivative beneficiaries if they are in the United States. If family members are outside the United States, those granted asylum can file for their family members to come to the United States as derivative asylees. 

• Do I need an asylum lawyer in Denver?

Asylum applicants are not required to have a lawyer; however, asylum law is complex and fact-intensive. An asylum lawyer in the Denver area can help you gather evidence, prepare testimony, meet deadlines, and represent you before USCIS or immigration court.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every asylum case is unique. If you have specific questions about your situation, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced asylum attorneys.