Macon Asylum & Refugee Attorneys
At Deadwyler-Heuman Law Firm, LLC, we proudly help individuals and families start anew in the United States and receive essential legal protections through asylum and refugee status. US immigration law is complicated, and the processes required to become an asylee or refugee are difficult to navigate alone. However, with the assistance of our team of attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants, you can move through the application process with confidence and overcome challenges, such as an unfavorable decision.
To discuss your situation with a caring Macon asylum and refugee attorney, call (478) 241-5247 or contact us online. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish. Hablamos Español.
What Is Asylum?
Asylum is a form of protection that the US grants to those who have fled their home country because they fear persecution based on race, nationality, religion, social group, or political affiliation.
Asylum Qualifications
To qualify for asylum, you must:
- Also meet the criteria for refugee status
- Either be present in the US or seeking admission at a port of entry
The Benefits of Asylum
If you are granted asylum, you can receive these benefits:
- Work authorization
- A social security card
- Derivative asylum for your spouse or children
- Public benefits (financial/medical assistance and more)
Additionally, you may apply to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) one year after the US grants your asylum. Five years after that, you can seek citizenship through naturalization.
How US Law Defines “Refugee”
According to US law, a refugee is someone outside the country who faces persecution because of race, nationality, religion, social group, or political affiliation.
The law also states that refugees are:
- Of special humanitarian interest to the US
- Not resettled in another country
- Admissible to the US
Coming to the US as a Refugee
To come to the US as a refugee, you must secure a referral to the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Doing so generally requires contacting a local United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) office.
If you receive a referral, you must participate in an interview with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Officials of the USCIS will review your situation, examine relevant documents, and determine whether to approve your refugee application.
Should the USCIS approve your application, you must pass a medical screening for public health risks. Once you pass the screening, your Refugee Support Center (RSC) will prepare you to travel to the US and provide integration services to help you settle into the country.
Real Stories From Real People
Reviews & Testimonials
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. Here’s what they have to say about their experiences with our firm.
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"I trusted her with my wife’s case and she did a great job."She is a wonderful case fighter and has great personality. Understand the problems of each person and will do her best. I trusted her with my wife’s case and she did a great job.- Chino
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"She will have your back undoubtedly when you add her as your council."I’ve used Ashley a couple of times on very important matters. She’s always been there for me and resolved everything to the best outcome possible. She will have your back undoubtedly when you add her as your council.- Dustin
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"I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Deadwyler."Ashley cares about her clients in a way that is hard to find these days. Your case is as important to her as it is to you.- Amy
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"Please call Mrs. Ashley!!"If anyone needs an awesome and Christian Attorney please call Mrs. Ashley!!- Karen
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"She knows the law and will do all she can to advocate for critical decisions to further the needs of her clients."I commend her quality of excellence in every situation and recommend her to you if you are in need of an attorney.- Judith
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"Mrs. Ashley is by far the best attorney I have ever had."I strongly believe that Mrs.Deadwyler actually cares and that it’s not about a source of financial gain but way to speak for those who have not the voice capable of speaking for themselves.- Jamie
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"Thank you Ashley Deadwyler."Ashley Deadwyler helped me to get my husband out of the immigration jail and is helping us to get his papers started and I would refer her to anyone that would need help she is the best. Thank you Ashley Deadwyler.- Jennifer
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"She is very professional but also personable."Ashley Deadwyler is a caring and compassionate attorney who takes time to explain legal processes and options to her clients and their families.- Brande
Refugee Benefits
As a refugee, you can access the following benefits:
- Resettlement assistance through the USRAP
- Work authorization
- Public benefits, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing assistance
- Education and language training
As with asylum, you can apply to become a lawful permanent resident one year after being admitted to the US as a refugee. You may also seek derivative refugee status and benefits for your spouse and children.
Asylum Seeker vs. Refugee Status
Being an asylee (asylum seeker) and refugee offers similar benefits and protections.
However, the two statuses have key differences:
- Availability: Asylum is available to those in the US or at a port of entry. Refugee status is an option for those outside of the US.
- Application process: To apply for asylum, you must submit Form I-589 (Application for Asylum) within a year of arriving in the US. Applying for refugee status requires a referral to the USRAP.
How Our Lawyers Help People Obtain Asylum & Refugee Status
On your behalf, our Macon asylum and refugee lawyers can do the following:
- Leverage their wealth of experience navigating the US immigration system to guide you and offer timely advice
- Assess your eligibility for asylum or refugee status to determine the best course of action and your application’s potential strength
- Assist in gathering and preparing necessary documents to avoid setbacks in your application process
- Look out for your rights and fight to highlight and rectify violations
- Navigate the appeals process if you receive an unfavorable decision on your application
- Provide tireless support and work to provide you with hope and peace in a chaotic time
