Asylum Lawyer In Atlanta

Atlanta Asylum Lawyers Offering Trusted Legal Protection

Are you afraid of returning to your home country because of violence and persecution? You deserve to share your story. Every year, thousands of people seek safety and the chance to rebuild their lives in Atlanta.

For decades, our Atlanta legal team has helped individuals who’ve faced danger in their home countries find a path to protection here in the United States.

Why Choose Our Asylum Attorneys In Atlanta?

Applying for asylum is one of the most challenging areas in immigration law because the process requires extensive paperwork and strong evidence—plus intimidating official hearings. The burden can feel almost unbearable.

The Atlanta asylum attorneys at Spar & Bernstein give you the legal help you need, evaluating your personal circumstances and preparing and filing your asylum application.

They will also represent you before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and at Atlanta Immigration Court hearings.

But we’re not just your legal advocates. We’re trusted partners, offering care and compassion every step of this difficult journey.

Atlanta Asylum Trends & Local Challenges

• Georgia welcomes between 2,500 and 3,500 refugees each year, ranking among the top 10 most welcoming states in the U.S.
• The largest groups of asylum seekers come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Venezuela.
• There are several refugee resettlement agencies in Georgia, such as the International Rescue Committee, New American Pathways, and Catholic Charities Atlanta, that help refugees find housing and employment.
• With 97% of asylum applications denied, the Atlanta Immigration Court is one of the toughest in the country, making strong legal representation absolutely critical.

Understanding The Difference Between Asylum and Refugee Status

Although both offer protection, asylum and refugee status are not the same thing.

• Asylum status: For individuals already in the U.S. or arriving at a U.S. port of entry. You must prove past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution.
• Refugee status: For individuals outside the U.S. who fear returning to their home country safely. Refugees apply abroad through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

If you’re not sure which option applies to you, our Atlanta asylum attorneys will help based on your situation.

Who Can Apply For Asylum In Atlanta?

You may qualify for asylum if you have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution because of your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Persecution can include physical harm, threats, imprisonment, sexual violence, or severe discrimination.

Your Rights As An Asylee In Atlanta

If your asylum application is approved, you’ll be able to:

• Live and work in the U.S.
• Apply for a Green Card one year after approval and access Green Card benefits.
• Petition to bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S.
• Access certain government assistance programs.
• Apply for U.S. citizenship after holding a Green Card for five years.

How To Apply For Asylum In Atlanta

There are two main ways to apply for asylum status.

Affirmative Asylum

You can apply for this form of protection within one year of arriving in the U.S. provided you are not in removal proceedings.

• Submit Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
• Attend an interview at a USCIS asylum office.
• If your application is denied, your case will be referred to immigration court.

Defensive Asylum

Already in removal proceedings? In this case, you can use your asylum application as a defense, presenting your case in front of an immigration judge at the Atlanta Immigration Court.

The judge will then decide if you’re eligible for asylum.

How Refugee Status Works In Atlanta

You can apply for refugee protection from outside the U.S. if you feel threatened you may be harmed in your home country.

The process begins with a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, followed by an interview, background checks, and medical screening.

Once admitted, you can live and work in the U.S., apply for a Green Card after one year, and pursue U.S. citizenship after five years.