Asylum & Refugee Status

What is Asylum and Refugee Status?

Asylum and refugee status is for immigrants who flee from their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion. A well-founded fear is measured as a 10% chance of persecution. The persecutor must be the government or a person who the government is unable or unwilling to control. A person may apply for asylum even if they do not enter the United States lawfully; however, he or she should try to apply for asylum within one year of arrival.

What are the Benefits?
  • Lawful status as a green card holder;
  • No wait to obtain green card based on annual limit;
  • Work in the United States;
  • Travel freely outside of the United States1;
  • Bring spouse and unmarried children to the United States from home country;
  • Obtain public benefits;
  • Become a United States citizen.
How We can Help You

Lavy Law is the best firm to help you win your asylum case. As a former prosecutor, we have insider's knowledge on how the government will treat your case. As a trial attorney who has won a multitude of cases at trial, we know how to win your asylum case before a judge. As a counselor at law who has worked with victims of crime and asylees, we know how to empower you during this intimidating process like a coach would during a game.

Unlike most firms who limit their practice to immigration court, Lavy Law is a one-stop law firm that practices in both immigration and criminal court. Thus, if you get in trouble with the law while your asylum case is pending, your Lavy Lawyer will protect your asylum claim by defending you in criminal court. Or, if you are ineligible to adjust to lawful status due to a criminal conviction, your Lavy Lawyer will use their know-how in criminal court to undo the damage to your immigration case.

We encourage you to read our Recent Cases to see that we have won a case just like your own.

If you are interested in applying for asylum or refugee status, Contact Us for a free consultation.


[1] Although asylees are able to travel freely outside of the United States, they should try not to travel to their home country where they claimed asylum. Such travel can create an issue at the border when they try to reenter the United States or when they try to naturalize and become citizens because it makes their fear of persecution from their home country less credible. Although it is rare for such status to be taken away, in theory, an asylee's status only lasts as long as their fear of persecution.

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"My experience with Lavy Law was extremely positive. After finding them through a Google search and reaching out to them, Kara Lavy responded soon after, assessed my case and she immediately came up with a collaborative strategy. Ms. Lavy was in close contact while preparing to present our case. The motions she filed on my behalf couldn't have been more thorough while leveraging her relationships with local DA and justice contacts to ensure a smooth process in the courtroom. All motions were granted in my favor, and I offer the highest recommendation to anyone looking for professional, responsive, dedicated and experienced attorney services." Javier M. (San Mateo, CA)
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"I am very pleased that I contacted you, and I simply could not have been more pleased with the process and outcome. I am more than delighted in how you were instrumental in bringing my lingering visa issue to a resolution most beneficial to me. Thank you for all your help and highly professional work, and especially for being so trustworthy." JMM (Belo Horizonte, Brazil)