“You may have heard the news that people can no longer claim they fear gang or domestic violence in order to be granted asylum in the United States. This is true for those coming to the border and those still living in other countries who are trying to enter the US.

What does that mean for those who have applied? They can be rejected outright and turned away at the border. They will no longer be allowed into the US and given a hearing on their asylum claim. After being turned away from the border they must return to their country and do not have legal entry into the united states.

Do we know if this will be enforced? We can presume that it will be applied immediately as most of the policies from this administration have been. One reason we think this is being done is that it reduces the number of people they must let into the US. Many of those coming from Mexico and South American countries have claimed fear of gang and/or domestic violence as their reason for requesting entry. Refusing to allow them to claim asylum under these categories cuts down on the issue of housing parents with children and the separation issues that are negative press for this administration.

Can people still claim asylum to get into the United States. Yes, currently people can seek asylum who have suffered persecution or fear of persecution because of their:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Membership in a particular social group
• Political opinion.

If someone claims one of the above they can be allowed to enter the US and granted a hearing on their claim. They may include their spouse and children (who are under 21 and unmarried) in their application.

An asylum seeker must file a form I-589 within ONE YEAR of arriving in the United States. USCIS does not have a fee for this application.

We have helped clients who are seeking asylum determine the best category and filed their paperwork for them. We can help determine the best category under which to file for asylum or entrance into the United States based on your individual circumstances.

Please contact our office at (678) 615-8LAW (8529) to talk about your asylum or other immigration issues. We are here to HELP. ”