Asylum Lawyers in Fresno, CA

Protecting the Rights of Those Fleeing Persecution

If you are fleeing your home country because you fear persecution, the U.S. asylum process can offer protection and a path toward safety and legal status. At Andrade Auld Law, we dedicate ourselves to helping individuals and families seek refuge in the United States. 

With deep experience in immigration law and a reputation for compassion and tenacious advocacy, we are ready to guide you through the asylum process from start to finish.

Starting over in Fresno brings new opportunities and unique challenges. The area is home to a vibrant immigrant community, and our knowledge of local immigration courts and procedures helps us support your journey at every stage. We always take time to answer your questions and listen to your concerns so you feel heard throughout this transition.

Contact us online or at (559) 517-3733 to book a free initial consultation with a Fresno asylum attorney. Our service areas include Clovis and the Central Valley. Hablamos español.

What Is Asylum?

Asylum is legal protection granted to people in the United States who cannot return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution. 

This persecution must be based on at least one of the following protected grounds:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Political opinion
• Membership in a particular social group

If you receive asylum, you may live and work legally in the U.S., apply for a green card after one year, and eventually pursue citizenship.

Who Is Eligible for Asylum?

To qualify for asylum, you must be physically present in the United States or request entry at a port of entry. You need to apply for asylum within one year of your arrival unless you meet an exception due to changed circumstances or extraordinary conditions.

We keep clients in Fresno informed about recent legal updates or local court procedures that could affect your eligibility. Immigration courts in the Fresno area follow their own protocols, so submitting your application correctly from the beginning can help you avoid delays.

You must also show that you face persecution in your home country based on one of the protected grounds. This persecution can include threats to your life or freedom, torture, unlawful imprisonment, or other serious harm.

The Asylum Process

The asylum process includes several important steps:

1. Filing Form I-589. The application for asylum and withholding of removal. You must file this within one year of your arrival.
2. Biometric appointment. You will attend fingerprinting and background checks.
3. Asylum interview or immigration court hearing. If you are not in removal proceedings, you will have an interview with an asylum officer. If you are in removal proceedings, your case will be heard by an immigration judge in court.
4. Decision. If your asylum is approved, you may remain in the U.S. and can apply for permanent residency after one year.

Asylum applicants in Fresno may have interviews or hearings at local immigration facilities in or near the city. Processing times vary depending on the Fresno court's caseload, so starting early is important. We help you prepare for every step, including gathering documents and anticipating the types of questions local officials may ask. Our team keeps you informed throughout each stage.

Types of Asylum Applications: Affirmative & Defensive Paths

Asylum seekers may follow different paths depending on their circumstances. In Fresno, most applicants either file an affirmative asylum application or proceed defensively in immigration court. If you are not in removal proceedings, you submit an affirmative application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If immigration authorities have placed you in removal proceedings, you present your case defensively before an immigration judge. Each process has different procedures and timelines.

Our team discusses which path applies to your situation and explains requirements specific to Fresno's immigration courts. Because court schedules in the Central Valley can change due to local demand or administrative updates, we guide you through timing and next steps. Deciding between affirmative and defensive asylum affects eligibility, deadlines, and your overall application experience.

We help you weigh the advantages and risks based on your circumstances so you can make informed choices. Our familiarity with Fresno court practices allows us to walk you through either process with confidence and clarity, reducing uncertainty about your next steps.

Work Authorization & Benefits for Asylum Seekers

Once you apply for asylum in the United States, you may become eligible for work authorization if your case remains pending for a set period. This work permit lets you earn income, care for your family, and participate fully in the Fresno community while awaiting a decision. Many applicants in the Central Valley rely on work authorization for financial stability during this process.

Applying for work authorization requires following certain deadlines and providing the correct documents. We explain these requirements and address helpful local resources for job seekers in Fresno and the surrounding region. Gaining work authorization is an important step toward building a secure future while your asylum case is under review.

Along with work authorization, approved asylum applicants may have the option to seek permanent residency after a waiting period. The rules for these benefits can be complex, so we explain each option in simple terms during your consultation. We aim to help you understand what every status means for your plans, now and as you look to your future in California.