People seeking asylum in New Jersey have to go through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Every asylum seeker in the country needs to go through this organization in order to be granted asylum.
If someone is planning on seeking asylum, they need to understand that it can be done in two different ways. An affirmatively filed asylum application is one in which the application has been filed at a USCIS center by an applicant. It’s not being filed as a result of an order to leave the country. Once this type of application is filed, it’s then forwarded on to a local asylum office that will schedule an appointment for the asylum seeker to meet with an officer. This meeting usually takes place within 30 days after the application has been received. The other main type of asylum application is usually in response to the applicant being told to leave.
During the interview, the applicant will be asked to explain why they’re seeking asylum. If they do not speak English, they can bring someone to translate for them. Many asylum seekers seek out attorney assistance for these interviews.
While it’s not required to have an attorney, having one makes the most sense. The officer overseeing the application may not have all of the information necessary to make a fair decision in every single person’s asylum case. They may not be aware of some of the issues taking place in the asylum seeker’s home country. This lack of information might result in the asylum application being denied.
By working with an attorney who has experience with asylum and other immigration issues, asylum seekers may be able to get the assistance they need. Immigration attorneys may help with the entire asylum process and explain all the options available.