Political asylum is a form of protection that grants legal status and opportunities for a prosperous life to individuals who are fleeing persecution in their home country because of race, religion, nationality or political opinion. It allows them to work legally, get healthcare, enroll children in school, and eventually become permanent residents. It is a right guaranteed under international treaties such as the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. When it is withdrawn, individuals must either return to their home countries according to the principle of non-refoulement or be deported immediately.
A person seeking asylum must request it with USCIS or an immigration judge in removal proceedings. A new regulation issued in 2022, referred to as the Asylum Processing Rule creates a third pathway for some people who arrive at the border which gives them a full asylum case before an immigration judge on a shortened timeline.
People seeking asylum often have complex, individualized cases that require thorough analysis of many different factors to determine eligibility for protection. This enables us to maximize their rights and ensure they are treated fairly by the system.
In addition to our legal services, Jeelani Law Firm also supports and serves New York City’s asylum seekers through community organizations and philanthropic support. We help them access food, housing and education and connect to services for mental health including free counseling provided by the City of New York.
Asylum seekers are often extremely vulnerable due to their history of trauma and lack of legal papers. Many are at high risk of posttrauma pathology such as PTSD until their final status is clarified.