Asylum: protection for those who fear returning to their country.
If you suffered or fear persecution for who you are or what you believe, asylum can let you stay legally in the United States and, over time, apply for residency. We help you nationwide, in Spanish and English.
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What is asylum?
Asylum protects people already in the U.S. who fear persecution in their country because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a social group. It can be requested affirmatively with USCIS (if you're not in court) or defensively before a judge. If granted, you can work, include your close family, and one year later apply for residency.
Key points you should know
Asylum has specific rules. These are the most important:
The one-year deadline
You generally must apply within the first year of arrival, except for changed or extraordinary circumstances.
The five protected grounds
Race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. General violence or poverty, alone, are not enough.
Path to residency
One year after asylum is granted, you can apply for a green card, and later for citizenship.
Your family
You can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21, even if they are outside the country.
The affirmative process (with USCIS)
File Form I-589
The asylum application is filed, ideally within the first year of arrival.
Biometrics
Appointment for fingerprints and background checks.
Asylum interview
An asylum officer, in a non-adversarial interview, evaluates your case. You can bring your attorney and interpreter.
Decision or referral to court
You're granted asylum or, if not, and you have no other status, your case goes to court, where you can request it defensively.
Timelines and important notices
Asylum cases usually take several years due to the large number of pending applications. You can request a work permit some time after filing, under current rules.
Notice: since 2025 there are new asylum fees (for example, an initial and an annual fee), and some rules and amounts are in litigation or changing. Also, certain case types (such as gender-based ones) have become harder. We do not guarantee results; confirm the details with your attorney.
Why Zavala Law Group
Immigration is a federal matter, so we represent cases throughout the United States. We are a 100% remote, bilingual firm: you can work with us from wherever you are, in Spanish or English. Attorney Salomón Zavala directs your case together with our immigration team, and we offer payment plans so cost is not the obstacle.
Frequently asked questions
Your first step is a confidential evaluation
Tell us your situation and our immigration team reviews it with you. The sooner, the more options.
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