Political Asylum

Rhode Island and Massachusetts Political Asylum

There are many places all over the world where issues such as poverty, oppression, and war are an everyday reality. The United States has created systems which enable foreign eligible immigrants to receive protection from their native country even if they entered national borders illegally. The system that allows this is called Political Asylum and is based upon an earlier mandate known as

Article 14: Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Article 14 states in part that all individuals have the right to seek and receive asylum from persecution. It does not include situations in which persecution arises from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. An example of someone who is not eligible for political asylum is a convicted criminal or terrorist.

Who is Eligible?

In 1981, the United States devised what is called "The Refugee Act" which also states that political asylum may be granted to anyone who is unable or unwilling to return to their native country based upon well-founded fears of persecution related to race, sex, religion or nationality. This can often include anyone that is deemed outside of a socially acceptable group or political movement.
The only way a foreign immigrant may request political asylum via Article 14 is by meeting specific qualifications which may vary based upon the country to which you are applying. Applicants must be capable of demonstrating that because of their Race, Religion, Nationality or political opinions, their safety will be at risk if they are returned to their country of origin. Political refugees surface most often during a regime change in third-world countries where one social group has taken total control and wish to commit genocide or exile upon another. It is important to be aware that only countries that have agreed to the United Nations Conventions Relating to the Status of Refugees honor political asylum.

How to obtain Political Asylum

The benefits of political asylum are abundant and most importantly include security and safety. Another benefit is the opportunity to obtain permanent citizenship within the United States or other participating countries. Once a political refugee is accepted into the United States, they then have the opportunity to obtain a green card in addition to opportunities for employment and education.
The process of obtaining political asylum is extensive and challenging, but much easier with the help of an experienced, professional Immigration attorney. The first step is to file a Form I-589, (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) within a year of entering the United States. You may list children and spouses only if they are within the United States at the time an application is submitted. Any children listed must not be married and must be under the age of 21.

If you need assistance

There are many challenges and guidelines involved in filing an application for Political Asylum. The Law Office of John E. Macdonald, Inc. has experience and will assist you throughout the entire process.

If you or a loved one is currently residing in the state of Rhode Island or Massachusetts and are about the begin the process of obtaining citizenship based on Political Asylum, contact RI Immigration attorney John E. MacDonald at (401) 421-1440 for a free consultation or more information.

To learn more about The Law Office of John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.