Fontana Asylum Lawyer

For individuals who are facing violence, war, or persecution, the pursuit of asylum status in the United States can be a matter of life and death. People living in Fontana, California, navigating their process deserve legal protection on their path towards safety. Therefore, if you or someone you love is applying for asylum, a dedicated Fontana asylum lawyer from U.S. Law Center is eager to throw our knowledge and skill behind your case.

At U.S. Law Center, our experienced legal team has decades of combined experience in successfully helping individuals in Fontana and surrounding areas secure legal protections through options like asylum. Whether you need to apply for defensive asylum in immigration court or you have recently arrived and are interested in initiating the affirmative asylum process, we can help you successfully navigate your asylum journey every step of the way.

Together, we can overcome complex immigration law to push for favorable case outcomes.

Who Can Apply for Asylum?

A dedicated attorney from our firm is eager to meet with you and go over your case details. We apply a client-focused, empathetic approach that centers your story and needs. Based on our discussion, we can help you understand if you meet the following requirements for asylum:

• Being physically present in the United States
• Having a well-founded fear of persecution in your country of origin due to nationality, religion, race, politics, or membership in a certain social group
• Be able to apply within one year of coming to the U.S., if going the affirmative asylum route

Even if you do not meet the deadline of applying for asylum within one year of arrival in the country, there may be exceptions that can be made for your case, such as if the circumstances in your country of origin have drastically changed, or you could not apply due to extreme personal or health-related circumstances.

There are two major types of asylum cases. Individuals who proactively file with USCIS and are not facing deportation or removal proceedings typically file for affirmative asylum. Defensive asylum, on the other hand, is filed in immigration court for people who are facing removal proceedings. As we handle both types of asylum cases, we can help you understand which option may be right for you.

Fontana’s Immigrant Demographics and Asylum Demand

The community of Fontana, CA, is home to roughly 212,000 people, which makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in the San Bernardino County area. The city boasts a successful and diverse immigrant community, and asylum-related legal service demands are going up. The percentage of foreign-born citizens has gone up from 27.6% in 2022 to 28.3% in 2023.

This shows just how successful immigration and naturalization cases have been in the area, including cases involving transitions from asylum status to permanent resident status. The immigrant makeup in Fontana includes people from South America, Central America, Africa, and Asia, with many of them being eligible for humanitarian protections like asylum.

The Asylum Application Process in Fontana

Although the asylum application process can be long and complex, having the right immigration attorney on your side can make all the difference. During the initial consultation, we can discuss your case with you, help you understand your eligibility, and explain the overall process you can expect. If you are eligible for asylum, we can help you file I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.

After USCIS has received your application, you may be called for a biometrics appointment at the USCIS San Bernardino Office to get your fingerprints taken. Then, you may have your court hearing or asylum appointment, depending on your application type. Affirmative asylum interviews are commonly held at the USCIS Asylum Office in Anaheim for folks located in the Fontana area. If your case is defensive, we will likely proceed to the Immigration Court in Adelanto.

Upon receiving your decision, if it is approved, we can help you understand the steps toward acquiring your green card. On the other hand, if you are facing a denial, we can help inform you of your options for legal relief to fight against deportation or removal proceedings.

FAQs About Fontana, CA, Asylum Laws

How Long Does It Take to Get Asylum in Fontana?

The amount of time it may take to get asylum in Fontana is dependent on various factors, including the complexity of your case, your application type, and the caseload at your local USCIS office or in the courts. By working with an experienced attorney, you can make your asylum process more efficient and understand the specific timelines for your case.

Can I Work While My Asylum Case Is Pending?

Yes, it is possible to work while your asylum case is pending. However, you have to wait 150 days after filing your Form I-589. After this time has passed, you can apply for a work permit, using Form I-765. An experienced attorney can help you with filling out and submitting this form, as well as understanding how long an approval may take.

What Happens if My Asylum Case Is Denied?

If your asylum case is denied, it’s important to remember that you still have options. If it’s an affirmative asylum case, it may be referred to the immigration court for removal proceedings. If you are already having your case processed in the courts, you can appeal your decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. A skilled attorney can help you go after every possible legal defense.

What Kind of Evidence Do I Need for Asylum?

Evidence that you may need for asylum typically includes showing that you have a credible fear of being persecuted in your country of origin. Documentation can include witness statements or sworn affidavits, photos, videos, news articles, situation analysis, country reports, and personal testimony. A skilled lawyer from our firm can help you build a strong case with robust evidence to showcase your need for asylum.

Contact a Fontana Asylum Lawyer Today

If you or your loved one cannot return to your country of origin due to fear of persecution, it’s important to pursue legal protections today. Contact a skilled Fontana asylum attorney from U.S. Law Center right away, so that we can help you start building up a robust legal strategy to secure the protections you deserve.