A Schaefer Law Firm client recently found out that his affirmative asylum application was approved. The case involved a gay man who would face severe persecution and physical harm if he returned to his home country. He was in a lawful immigration status, but it became clear that conditions in his home country would not improve in the foreseeable future. He applied for asylum so that he would no longer have to fear being forced to return to his home country when his status expired.

The firm helped him prepare his asylum application and collect the evidence needed to prove the persecution he would face in his home country. This included drafting and submitting a written closing argument during his asylum interview. During the asylum interview we were able to persuade the Asylum Officer that the question was not if he would be harmed when he returned to his home country, but when he would be harmed. Would it be hours, days or would he be lucky enough to have a couple of weeks before he was severely harmed? Now that he has been granted asylum, he no longer needs to fear being forced to return home and can instead focus on building a life in America.

Although this client’s asylum application was approved, it is important to note that not all asylum applications are approved. Asylum cases are very fact specific and the best way to present each case will vary depending on the facts of the case. With this in mind, I strongly encourage you to consult with an immigration lawyer before you submit an asylum application.