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Asylum & Refugee Status

Asylum Attorney in Chicago

Dedicated Legal Support for Asylum Seekers in Cook County

The United States provides certain protections to asylees and refugees. To qualify for asylum or refugee status, you must show you experienced past persecution or have a credible fear of future persecution in your home country or prior country of residence based on one or more protected grounds. Asylees and refugees may live and work throughout the country. They may also qualify for a green card, which can open a path to citizenship.

Pursuing asylee or refugee status often involves complex legal steps. Our Chicago asylum lawyer at Aparicio Immigration Law acts as your guide and advocate through every phase. Our track record speaks for itself: we have a history of successfully litigating cases that require courtroom representation.

Seek experienced assistance from a qualified Chicago asylum lawyer. Call (312) 313-6707 or contact us right away to secure your consultation. Se habla Español.

Understanding Asylees vs. Refugees

The terms “asylee” and “refugee” are sometimes used interchangeably. Both provide similar benefits, but each involves distinct processes for seeking protection in the United States.

Key Differences: Asylum Seekers and Refugees

  • When you seek asylum, you do so after entering the United States or at a U.S. port of entry. You may apply for asylum affirmatively or defend yourself in proceedings, and, if approved, you can remain in or enter the country.
  • When you seek refugee status, you do so from outside the United States. If approved, you will receive permission to come to and enter the United States.

Benefits of Asylee & Refugee Status

Asylees and refugees share several rights and benefits. Once approved, you can live and work anywhere in the United States unless conditions in your former home improve. Sometimes, your spouse and children may join you, and some public assistance programs—including Medicaid and Social Security Income—become available.

Asylees and refugees in Illinois can also access services like translation assistance and job placement provided by local agencies. City programs clarify your legal rights and help you adjust to new state rules. Public libraries throughout Chicago often provide language classes and information on how to integrate. These resources make adjusting to the city as an asylee or refugee more manageable.

Asylees and refugees may become permanent U.S. residents and ultimately citizens. After one year in asylee or refugee status, you can apply for a green card. Typically, you must hold a green card for four years and fulfill other requirements before you can start the naturalization process.

If you have suffered past persecution or are afraid of future harm due to a protected ground, our Chicago asylum lawyer at Aparicio Immigration Law is ready to guide you. We understand the complexities of asylum and refugee cases and provide the steady support you deserve. 

Eligibility for Asylum & Refugee Status

To qualify for asylum or refugee status, you must show that you have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution in your country of origin or previous residence. You need to connect your fear of harm to at least one protected ground.

Chicago courts review claims from people of many different backgrounds, as the city receives applicants from across the globe. Changes in international law or local support may influence the types of cases the Chicago docket hears most often. Our legal team follows legal trends and rules shaping the way asylum and refugee cases unfold locally.

To qualify for asylum or refugee status, you must show that the persecution is based on one or more of these protected grounds:

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

Membership in a particular social group is a flexible category that covers different forms of targeted harm. Gender-based and LGBTQ-related violence often falls under this group, based on your gender or sexual orientation.

Your persecutor does not need to be a recognized government official. If your government cannot or will not protect you, harm by non-state actors may also support a valid claim for asylum or refugee status.

Steps to Successfully Obtain Asylum in the U.S.

To apply for asylum in another country, individuals typically follow these key steps:

  • Determine eligibility: The first step is to determine if you qualify for asylum. You must currently live outside of your home country and meet the definitions for refugee status.
  • Seek legal counsel: It is highly recommended to seek experienced representation from an immigration attorney who can guide your asylum case. Attorneys can help you understand your rights and each step in the asylum process.
  • Prepare & submit an application: You must complete an asylum application and submit it to the relevant government authority. The application usually requires personal information, details of the persecution you endured or fear, and evidence to support your claim.
  • Attend the interview: Once you submit your paperwork, you will attend an interview with a government official. The interview helps assess your credibility and gather more details about your case.
  • Wait for your asylum decision: After the interview, you must wait for a decision. Processing can take several months or even years, depending on the country and case complexity.
  • Appeal or seek alternatives: If the government denies your application, you may appeal or pursue alternate forms of protection, such as withholding of removal or relief under the Convention Against Torture.

Each phase demands careful preparation and attention to changes in immigration policy, which can affect processing requirements and timelines. In Chicago, the immigration court faces high demand, so asylum cases often experience longer wait times for hearings and outcomes. Having a legal advocate who tracks local court updates and trends can impact your experience throughout the process.

Due to the lengthy and often complex asylum process, we encourage you to work with a seasoned Chicago asylum attorney who can support you at every step.

How to Seek Asylum or Refugee Status

As mentioned above, you seek refugee status when requesting protection while outside the United States. You must first contact the U.S. Refugee Program (USRP) or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who can help you connect with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for initial processing.

The application process requires you to gather specific documents and prepare your case thoroughly. Chicago nonprofit organizations sometimes run workshops to help people collect necessary evidence and complete forms. These programs guide you through what to bring and how to get ready for interview questions or hearings. Reaching out to local organizations early in the process prevents delays and helps ensure all paperwork is in order at filing.

After filing your application, you need to arrange for financial sponsorship and provide proof of the persecution you faced or fear based on a protected ground. A USCIS officer then meets with you to verify your case details and eligibility for refugee status during an in-person interview.

You have two pathways for asylum based on your circumstances. If you are already in the United States or at the border, you may seek asylum affirmatively or as a defense in immigration court. Those who enter without a valid status usually have one year from entry to apply. However, you should proceed with care if you're not legally present, as losing an asylum appeal can mean facing removal.

Defensive asylum also serves as a form of removal defense when you present your case after being placed in removal proceedings or arriving at a port of entry. Gaining asylum this way means you can stay while your case proceeds. You are not entitled to a free attorney in this process and may be held in custody while your hearing takes place.

USCIS or a judge will look for convincing evidence of persecution or credible fear. Asylum lawyers in Chicago evaluate your unique situation and recommend the best approach for your specific circumstances.

Timeline and Processing Times for Asylum Cases in Illinois

The timelines for asylum and refugee applications in Illinois can differ based on local court backlogs and federal procedures. In Chicago, applicants often experience extended waits compared to other locations, leading to delays in hearings and final decisions. The Chicago Immigration Court’s high case volume and the number of applicants throughout Cook County lengthen these timelines.

Staying informed about changing local processes, updates to hearing priority, or federal rule changes can affect your wait. In some recent Chicago cases, individuals have waited over a year for hearings. Reliable legal counsel tracks updates and communicates them quickly. When you understand the likely timing, you can plan for your family’s needs while awaiting a decision. Connect with an asylum attorney in Chicago at Aparicio Immigration Law as soon as possible.

Schedule an initial consultation by contacting us at (312) 313-6707 to speak with an asylum lawyer near you. We serve clients in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

What to Expect at the Chicago Immigration Court

If your asylum or removal defense case proceeds to a hearing, it will likely take place at the Chicago Immigration Court, located in the Loop. The court operates under the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and follows established local procedures. Arrive early, bring all required documentation, and review directions in your hearing notice. Because the courthouse can be crowded, build in time for security and waiting.

Judges decide asylum and refugee claims individually, focusing on your story and the evidence you present. The court sits close to major CTA lines, allowing access from across the city. Most proceedings are in English, but interpreter services are available. Knowing the Chicago court’s norms and expectations helps you feel prepared for your hearing. Our team stays updated on court schedule changes and local requirements so clients remain informed every step of the way. Speak with a qualified Chicago refugee attorney if you have questions.

Seeking Refugee Status in Chicago: Local Resources and Support

Chicago has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. The city offers a range of resources to help people through the process of seeking protection. Local agencies, including the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the City of Chicago's Office of New Americans, provide support and information for immigrants and refugees as they adjust to life in Illinois.

Chicago’s Welcoming Centers across the city—including on the north and southwest sides—offer assistance in many languages for people needing help with immigration steps, housing, or employment. Legal aid organizations and community groups throughout Cook County host workshops and information sessions about the asylum process. These efforts help explain your rights, responsibilities, and local documentation standards. Local organizations fill gaps for newcomers facing language barriers or Chicago-specific rules, connecting you to key resources.

Many refugees in Chicago seek reliable legal guidance. Navigating the U.S. asylum process can feel overwhelming, especially with language obstacles and unfamiliar systems. Our legal team at Aparicio Immigration Law brings experience with local procedures and walks you through every phase, from your initial application to your USCIS interview.

Access to vital services like housing, healthcare, and employment also poses challenges for many new arrivals. The city supports refugees with programs such as Refugee and Immigrant Community Services (RICS) and Heartland Alliance. These groups assist with housing placement, job opportunities, and healthcare enrollment, helping your family regain stability with dignity as you start over in Chicago.

Neighborhoods like Albany Park and Rogers Park are known for their vibrant immigrant populations. These communities offer social support and resources, making it easier for newcomers to adjust. Our team understands the unique needs of residents in these neighborhoods and offers guidance tailored to their circumstances.

When you choose Aparicio Immigration Law, you gain more than legal representation—you find a partner familiar with Chicago’s communities and dedicated to helping you meet the challenges of resettlement and protection. We aim to provide clear communication and practical support so you can build a future here.

Why Choose Our Asylum Lawyers

When you hire our firm, we work closely with you to understand your background and build a sound legal argument. Our Chicago asylum attorneys support you through every part of your journey.  

Located in Cook County, we track local immigration court schedules and procedures. We explain every step of the process, including what to expect during hearings at the Chicago Immigration Court on South Dearborn. Our team’s familiarity with the court and staff helps you prepare. We communicate in English and Spanish and update you promptly about any changes. We offer in-person and remote meetings to provide flexible service as your case moves ahead.

Contact an asylum lawyer online, or at (312) 313-6707, to explore your options for seeking protection in the United States. 
We offer our legal services in English and Spanish.

Why Choose Aparicio Immigration Law?

  • Spanish Speaking Services Available
    With a staff that speaks English and Spanish fluently, our team makes sure all communication with clients is always direct and always clear.
  • We are Centrally & Conveniently Located

    Our office is located less than a mile from Chicago Immigration Court, allowing us to very conveniently help all clients throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

  • We Have a Record that Speaks for Itself
    With many victorious cases taken to court and hundreds of happy reviews from clients, our team proudly works hard to earn its good reputation.
  • We Can Relate to Your Experience
    Having gone through the immigration process himself, Attorney Aparicio has first-hand experience to help understand your situation.
  • AILA
  • Illinois State Bar
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Lawyers for the Creative Arts
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