On August 2, in response to an increasing asylum workload in Florida, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opened a new asylum office in Tampa Bay. This is the 11th asylum office in the country and the second in Florida — the first one is in Miami. The new office will make it much easier for immigrants to apply for asylum since they will no longer have to make the long trek to Miami.
Are you interested in learning more about what this new asylum office means for your future? Contact Attorney Eric Price today. Price is one of the nation’s top immigration attorneys and has been fighting for his client’s futures in America for __ decades. Contact him today for a free case consultation.
Why Does Florida Lead The Country In Asylum Applications?
Florida currently leads the nation in USCIS asylum applications, and more than a quarter of the national pending caseload is from Florida residents.
Cubans make up the largest group of migrants seeking asylum. Many Cubans choose to seek asylum in Florida because it is 485 miles from the Sunshine State, and several Cubans escape to Florida by boat. Due to the large influx of Cuban migrants to Florida, Cuban communities have been formed all around the state, as have Mexican, Venezuelans, and even Ukrainian.
The Tampa Asylum Office will help USCIS resolve urgent cases faster and better address the large number of asylum applications pending with USCIS in Florida.
Which Areas Of Florida Will The New Facility Serve?
The new facility will adjudicate asylum claims filed by people who live in western and northern parts of the state as well as portions of central Florida.
The Miami Asylum Office will continue adjudicating asylum claims filed by people who live in south Florida and portions of central Florida.
Who Is Eligible For Asylum?
To determine asylum eligibility, USCIS evaluates whether each person meets the definition of refugee as stated in section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Generally, to be eligible for asylum, you must:
• Currently reside in the U.S. — whether by lawful or unlawful entry.
• You are not able or willing to return to your home country due to past persecution, or you have a well-founded fear of being persecuted upon your return.
• The reason you were persecuted or fear persecution is related to:
▪ Race
▪ Religion
▪ Nationality
▪ Membership in a particular social group
▪ Political opinion
•You are not involved in any activity that would bar you from asylum
How To Apply For Asylum
To apply for asylum, complete Form I-589, Application for Asylum, and for Withholding of Removal. You must file that form within one year of your arrival to the U.S. You can include your spouse and children who are with you in the United States when you file your application or at any time until the court issues a decision on your case. Your child(ren) must be under 21 and unmarried in order for you to claim them. It is free to apply for asylum.
How To Prepare For Your Asylum Interview
Once you send in your asylum application, you will be contacted within 21 days for an asylum interview. Here’s how to prepare:
• Practice —
Practice answering basic questions about your situation and why you need asylum. This will help you feel more confident and less nervous on interview day.
• Don’t Be Late —
Make sure all travel arrangements and plans are set ahead of time to ensure you arrive on time for your interview. If you are late, the USCIS has the right to cancel your interview.
• Dress Nicely —
First impressions are important, so wear nice slacks or a dress with a blazer or cardigan, clean shoes, and come properly groomed.
• Be Honest —
Telling the truth is of the utmost importance. If you don’t tell the truth, you may be denied asylum. Remember, sometimes omitting important information is considered lying.
• Bring An Attorney —
Working with an attorney is highly recommended. They will help you prepare, know what questions to expect, and ease your mind about telling the whole truth. Your attorney will help you feel more comfortable on interview day because you know they will interject if the questioning gets out of line or unfair, or if any miscommunications arise.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in applying for asylum in the United States, finding a skilled attorney is imperative. They will ensure a smooth and speedy asylum process and can help you avoid critical errors that will delay or be detrimental to your case.
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
Attorney Eric Price is one of the nation’s top immigration attorneys. With years of experience as an ICE prosecutor, Price has the capacity to understand a case from both the prosecution and defense perspectives. His ability to properly evaluate and strategize immigration cases has resulted in winning hundreds of cases for his clients both in and out of court. Contact Attorney Eric Price and start securing your future in America today.
