Los Angeles Asylum Lawyer: Trusted Legal Help In The US
Are you fleeing persecution and feeling overwhelmed by despair and stress? For over 60 years, the compassionate immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein have helped people find protection and build new lives in the United States.
If you fear returning to your home country due to violence, threats, or discrimination, our team is here to guide you through the complex asylum process and fight for your rights.
Need Help With An Asylum Application In Los Angeles?
Why Choose Our Asylum Lawyers In Los Angeles?
Our knowledgeable and compassionate team of attorneys understands the unique struggles faced by immigrants from all backgrounds: from escaping political turmoil and gang violence to fleeing from religious persecution.
We’ll assist you if you’ve been detained or placed in removal proceedings, help you file a well-documented asylum petition, and represent you in immigration court and asylum interviews.
Working with us means more than legal advice. You’ll have tenacious advocacy and a caring approach so you can stay in the United States.
Los Angeles Asylum Statistics & Challenges
- In FY 2020, 1,190 people – about 10% of all refugees who resettled in the U.S. – began their new lives in California.
- In 2024, Los Angeles handled 6,148 asylum cases, ranking among the top U.S. cities for asylum processing alongside Arlington, Chicago, and Houston.
- Due to the high number of asylum applications, the Los Angeles Asylum Office is one of the busiest.
Working with an experienced asylum lawyer in Los Angeles is key to building a strong case and avoiding mistakes that could lead to denial or deportation.
Asylum vs. Refugee Status: What’s The Difference?
Many people confuse asylum and refugee protection, but they are two distinct paths to legal residence.
Asylum status is for individuals who are already in the U.S. or currently at a U.S. port of entry. They must show past persecution or fear of future persecution based on one or more specific qualifying factors.
Refugee status is for individuals who are outside the United States and are afraid to return to their home country due to persecution.
You can seek protection under both pathways. Which process you’ll follow depends on where you are physically at the time you file your petition.
Who Qualifies For Asylum In Los Angeles?
To be granted asylum, you must show you were persecuted or fear future persecution in your home country due to:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership in a particular social group
How To Apply For Asylum In Los Angeles
Depending on your situation, you can apply proactively or in response to pending deportation. These are known as affirmative and defensive asylum applications:
- Affirmative asylum: Can be used if you’re not in removal proceedings.
- Defensive asylum: Can be used if you’re facing deportation in immigration court.
Affirmative Asylum
If you’re applying proactively, you’ll need to submit Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within a year of your arrival.
After that, you’ll be invited to speak with a USCIS asylum officer about your case. If your request is denied and you don’t have legal status, an immigration judge will further review your case.
Defensive Asylum
If you’re in removal proceedings and facing deportation, your asylum request becomes part of your defense. In this situation, you’ll present your case before an immigration judge who will determine whether you meet the legal criteria for protection.
Either way, it’s a serious step with high stakes. Having skilled representation can make a big difference.
Our Los Angeles asylum lawyers can help determine the best approach, gather critical documentation, and prepare everything needed to support your claim.
Your Rights If You Are Granted Asylum
Gaining asylum allows you to build a stable life in the U.S. You’ll be able to live here lawfully, apply for a Green Card after one year, and access Green Card benefits.
You can also apply for a work permit through Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – and even bring your immediate family.
You’ll be able to start the journey toward U.S. citizenship five years after obtaining a Green Card.
Los Angeles has a 23% asylum denial rate, with 91% of applicants using legal counsel. That’s a better outcome than cities like Houston, with an 83% denial rate, and Miami, with 70% denials.
Who Qualifies For Refugee Status?
Refugee status is for those outside the U.S. who can’t safely return home. If you’ve faced violence or threats, or you fear future persecution due to your race, religion, or beliefs, you may qualify for protection.
Our team at Spar & Bernstein will help you determine your eligibility and lead you through the process.
How To Apply For Refugee Protection
To apply for refugee status, you must first get a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Once that is done, you file a refugee application along with supporting evidence and attend an interview with a USCIS official abroad.
If your application is approved, you will undergo a medical exam and cultural orientation, and receive travel assistance to the U.S.
Rights of Refugees in the US
Refugees who are admitted to the United States receive the same protection and benefits as individuals granted asylum.
Once you arrive, you can live and work in the country. You may also qualify for government assistance programs that help with housing, healthcare, and employment support during your first months in the United States.
You can apply for a Green Card after one year of living in the U.S. and pursue U.S. citizenship after five years as a permanent resident. You also have the right to reunite with your immediate family members by petitioning to bring them to the U.S.
Seeking Asylum Or Refugee Protection In Los Angeles?
Legal Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers Across Los Angeles
Our Los Angeles asylum team will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you stay in the United States. Reach out if you need assistance with asylum interviews, credible fear reviews, family-based petitions, and court representation.
Los Angeles Asylum Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Asylum Process Take In Los Angeles?
The time for processing your petition can vary depending on whether you apply affirmatively or defensively. Some cases take months, while others may take years due to backlogs at the Los Angeles Asylum Office and immigration courts.
Can I Work In Los Angeles While My Asylum Case Is Pending?
Yes, you can apply for a work permit 150 days after filing your asylum application.
What Can I Do If My Asylum Application Is Denied?
If USCIS denies your affirmative asylum petition and you don’t have lawful status, they’ll send your case to an immigration judge, where you can request defensive asylum. If the judge denies protection, you may be able to appeal the decision. Our services at Spar & Bernstein include exploring various ways to protect your rights and seek legal status.
Can I Include My Family In My Asylum Or Refugee Application?
Absolutely. You can petition for your spouse and unmarried children under 21, including them in your application. If they are outside the U.S. when you receive asylum or refugee status, you can petition to bring them to join you.
When Can I Apply For A Green Card If I Have Asylum Or Refugee Status?
Both asylees and refugees can apply for a Green Card one year after receiving protection. You have the right to apply for U.S. citizenship five years after receiving a Green Card.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Apply For Asylum or Refugee Protection?
Not necessarily. The law does not require you to have an attorney, but working with an experienced lawyer in Los Angeles can improve your chances of success in a city where the approval rates are low.
Can I Apply For Asylum If I Missed The One Year Deadline?
In some cases you’ll be able to do that, but you’ll need to prove extraordinary circumstances such as serious illness, trauma, or major changes in your home country’s conditions.
What Is A Credible Fear Interview?
A credible fear interview is conducted by a USCIS officer when you request asylum at the border or after detention. It determines whether your fear of persecution when returning to your home country is well-grounded.
Can I Travel Outside The U.S. While My Asylum Case Is Pending?
Unless you get advance parole, traveling while your case is pending could put it at risk. Leaving the country without permission can be interpreted as abandonment of your case.
What Happens At An Asylum Interview In Los Angeles?
You will meet with a USCIS asylum officer at the Los Angeles Asylum Office. They will ask questions about your background, fear of persecution, and supporting evidence.
Can Refugees Receive Financial or Housing Assistance After Arrival?
Yes, during their first months in the U.S. refugees often receive short-term support such as cash assistance, job training, and housing help.
Can I Lose My Asylum or Refugee Status?
Certainly. Your status can be revoked if you commit certain crimes, there’s proof of misrepresenting your claim, or conditions in your home country become safe for you to return.
Can I Apply For Asylum If I Entered The US Illegally?
You have the right to apply for asylum even if you crossed the border without inspection. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
How Can I Prove My Fear Of Persecution?
Proof can take many forms, including your personal testimony, letters from those who know your story, reports about your country’s conditions, or even medical and police records that support what you’ve shared.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio