An asylum claim may be possible for a person who is afraid to return to her/his country. The asylee must show well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion against him/er. S/He must apply within one year of arrival in the U.S., unless showing exceptional situation happened to him/er provented the timely filing. The asylum application can be filed with the INS or, if in the proceedings, before an Immigration Judge. The process typically requires extensive, corroborating documentation and detailed affidavits are generally needed.

Removal (formerly known as deportation) proceedings arise when the INS considers a person illegally in the U.S. due to overstay of status or some other violation, such as a criminal offense committed either before entry or after.

What We Can Do For You : The Law Offices of Runan Zhang will represent you in the removal/deportation processing to defend you in front of INS and immigration judge. However, we have to review your case first and determine if your case would qualify for the benefit of asylum in the United States. We would advise your options if we don't think your case would qualify for the benefit of asylum.

Government

Some NewsBriefs in this section cover government-related issues, political processes, ethical considerations, and other reports related to the immigration process and experience.