PROTECTION & ADVOCACY
Safety, for those who cannot go home.
If returning to your country means facing persecution, affirmative asylum offers a way to seek protection in the United States. An affirmative asylum lawyer’s task is to turn your experience into a clear, credible record – the application, the evidence, your testimony – so your story is heard completely. That’s the care Onward Immigration brings.
IS THIS YOU?
You may be in the right place if...
The newly arrived
You came to the U.S. seeking safety and you need to file within your first year, and you want it done right.
The fearful returner
Going back would put you in danger because of who you are or what you believe, and you need protection here.
The document light
Your fear is real but proving it feels impossible, and you need help turning your experience into evidence.
The well-prepared
You want your asylum case built carefully and your interview testimony ready, not left to chance.
The Path Forward
How we build your case
I
Assess & strategize
We confirm the basis for your claim and the one-year filing deadline, and map the strongest way forward.
II
Build the evidence
We prepare your application, your declaration, and supporting country and personal evidence into a clear, credible whole.
III
Prepare you to be heard
We ready you for the asylum interview so you can tell your story calmly, consistently, and completely.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Clear fees, full attention.
Every asylum engagement has a clear, agreed fee, set before we begin. As a deliberately small firm, your case – and your story – is handled by one attorney from first conversation to decision.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Asylum questions, answered.
What is affirmative asylum?
Affirmative asylum is for people physically in the U.S. who apply for protection through USCIS because they fear persecution at home – based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. It’s filed proactively, not in court. We focus on these affirmative cases, filed with USCIS.
Is there a deadline to apply for asylum?
Generally, yes – you must apply within one year of your last arrival, with limited exceptions for changed or extraordinary circumstances. Missing the deadline can bar your claim, so timing is critical. If you’re close to or past a year, talk to us quickly so we can assess your options.
What do I need to prove for affirmative asylum?
That you’ve suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of it, tied to a protected ground, and that your government can’t or won’t protect you. Your own credible testimony carries real weight, supported by personal and country evidence. We help you document a claim that holds together and rings true.
Can my family be included?
Often, yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 who are in the U.S. can usually be included as derivatives. Family abroad may be able to join later if your case is granted. We help you include eligible family and plan for reuniting with those who aren’t here yet.
Can I work while my asylum case is pending?
Usually, after a waiting period. Asylum applicants generally become eligible to apply for work authorization once their case has been pending for a set time. The rules and timing change periodically. We track your eligibility and file for work authorization as soon as you qualify.
Why work with an affirmative asylum lawyer?
An affirmative asylum lawyer protects your one-year deadline, turns your experience into credible evidence, and prepares your interview testimony so you can tell your story calmly and consistently.
Where can I check my case status?
You can track any pending case with your receipt number through the USCIS Case Status Online tool at: egov.uscis.gov/casestatus. We also monitor your case and flag anything that needs a response, so nothing slips.
What is the annual asylum fee, and do I have to pay it?
Yes, if your asylum application has been pending for more than one year. The government currently charges an annual fee of $102 per application. Where you pay depends on where your case is pending: affirmative cases at USCIS pay through USCIS’s online portal; cases in immigration court pay through the immigration court payment system. USCIS is supposed to send a notice with a 30-day deadline, but notices don’t always arrive. It’s worth checking the USCIS payment portal directly if your case has been pending over a year. Missing the deadline can result in rejection of your application, cancellation of your work permit, or denial of your case, so don’t wait. We monitor deadlines for our clients and flag anything that needs immediate action.
What happens if my affirmative asylum case is referred to immigration court?
USCIS may refer your asylum application to immigration court rather than issuing a denial. This happens most often when you don’t have lawful status. USCIS refers the case and issues a Notice to Appear, which begins removal proceedings. If handled properly, you’ll have the opportunity to present your asylum claim before an immigration judge. The path becomes more complex and the stakes higher, which is exactly when having experienced counsel matters most. If your case is referred, contact us immediately so we can discuss your options.
Do you attend affirmative asylum interviews even if I prepared my own case?
Yes, our attorney will attend affirmative asylum interviews at USCIS, even if someone prepared their own case. Book a consultation as soon as possible so we can review your application, flag any potential problems, and prepare you for your interview.
Ready to move onward?
Every journey begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about where you’re headed,
and how to get you there.