Empowering Immigrants, Strengthening America
Yes. If you fear persecution in your home country because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or a social group you belong to, you can apply for asylum in New Jersey by filing Form I-589. The team at DeCosmo Law walks Camden-area families through this process.
How Do You Start the Asylum Process?
The process begins with Form I-589, the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, filed with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Your written account of what you fled sits at the heart of it, so every detail carries weight. The process entails:
- The completed Form I-589 for you and any family members
- A personal statement describing the persecution you face
- Country conditions and news reports backing your claim
- Identity papers such as a passport or birth certificate
Strong supporting evidence can transform a personal account into a well-supported claim. Witness statements, medical or police records, and photographs may help show that the danger you faced was concrete and credible.
What Happens at Your Biometrics Appointment?
After you file, the government schedules a biometrics appointment at a nearby application support center. A technician takes your fingerprints and photograph, which the agency runs against the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other databases to confirm your identity and background.
The Asylum Interview
Next comes an interview with a trained asylum officer who asks about your history and your fear of return. For anyone living in New Jersey, that interview runs through the Newark Asylum Office, which covers the whole state, so your case stays in the region.
To win, you must show a well-founded fear of persecution on a protected ground, the standard in asylum law at 8 U.S.C. Section 1158. That law also generally expects the application within your first year here, with several exceptions.
Getting a Decision
Once the review wraps up, the asylum officer reaches one of a few outcomes, and what comes next depends on your situation. Some applicants receive protection outright, while others see their case sent to a judge for a fresh look. The main results are:
- A grant of asylum and permission to stay
- A referral to immigration court for a judge to decide
- A notice of intent to deny for those in valid status
A referral is not the end of the road, only a shift to a different forum. In court, an immigration judge weighs your claim from the start, giving you another chance to present your evidence and testimony.
Can You Appeal a Denial?
Yes. A denial by an immigration judge does not always end your case. You may appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals and, in some cases, continue to a federal court of appeals. For New Jersey residents, immigration hearings are typically held at the Newark Immigration Court.
Work With DeCosmo Law on Your Asylum Case
Seeking asylum often means revisiting painful experiences while presenting them clearly and credibly. DeCosmo Law helps individuals and families throughout Camden and South Jersey prepare strong asylum applications.
Call (856) 361-2122 or schedule a consultation online to discuss your case with our attorneys. We translate everything for our Spanish-speaking clients.