Refugee & Asylum Lawyer Boston

Asylum Lawyer Boston: Trusted Legal Support For Protection In The US 

For more than 60 years, the immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein have helped people fleeing persecution around the world, guiding you through the asylum process step by step so you feel supported at every turn.

Why People In Boston Trust Our Asylum Attorneys? 

Facing danger in your home country due to your race, religion, nationality, political views, or group affiliation?

Our experienced legal team will help you prepare and submit your asylum petition, represent you in interviews or court hearings, and work to prevent deportation if you’ve been placed in removal proceedings.

Boston By The Numbers: Asylum & Refugee Protection

• Massachusetts welcomes approximately 2,000 refugees yearly.
• Since 2007, a total of 16,116 refugees have settled in Massachusetts, which is indicative of the state’s longstanding role in providing safety to people seeking protection.
• Congolese, Syrian, and Ukrainian refugees make up a growing portion of those resettling in Massachusetts.
• In 2021, the Boston Asylum Office approved just 11% of asylum applications, a number far below the national average of 27%. With one of the lowest approval rates in the country, it’s key to work with an experienced Boston asylum attorney who can help you build a strong case.

Asylum vs. Refugee Status: What’s The Difference?

You can apply for asylum if you’re already in the U.S., say, living in Boston, or are at a U.S. port of entry.

You may petition for refugee status if you’re abroad, typically through a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

In both cases, you must demonstrate that you are a victim of past persecution or fear future persecution due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Whether you’re seeking asylum or refugee protection, our Boston attorneys will fight for your rights, providing document support and legal advocacy.

How To Apply For Asylum In Boston

There are two ways to apply for asylum:

Affirmative Asylum Process

You must be physically present in the U.S. or seeking asylum at the border, and you must not be placed in removal proceedings.

• File Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.
• Attend a biometrics appointment.
• Attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officer.

Defensive Asylum Process

This approach can be used if you are in removal proceedings and facing deportation.

• Appear before an immigration judge through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
• The judge will determine if you’ll be granted asylum status.

Rights Of Asylees In The United States

If you are granted asylum, you are entitled to:

• Remain in the U.S. indefinitely (or until your home country becomes safe).
• Apply for employment authorization.
• Petition for eligible family members.
• Apply for a Green Card one year after asylum approval.
• Apply for citizenship five years after becoming a permanent resident.
• Access available public benefits and support services.

How To Apply For Refugee Protection

To obtain refugee status:

• Receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
• File your application along with supporting evidence.
• Attend an interview with a USCIS official abroad.
• If your application is approved, you’ll receive a medical exam, cultural orientation, and help with your travel to the United States.

Rights Of Refugees In The United States

If you are granted refugee status, you have the right to:

• Remain in the U.S. indefinitely or as long as conditions in your home country are unsafe.
• Work legally in the U.S.
• Receive government support upon arrival, including financial and medical assistance.
• Bring qualifying family members.
• Apply for a Green Card after one year.
• Apply for U.S. citizenship five years after Green Card approval.