Individuals who have come to the United States in order to escape persecution in their home country may apply for asylum. The application process is complex and the laws frequently change. There is no guarantee that the application will be approved. Applicants must prove that they either have a great fear of being persecuted or tortured, or prove that they were persecuted or tortured based on:

  • Race.
  • Religion.
  • Nationality.
  • Gender.
  • Political beliefs and opinions.
  • Membership in a particular social group.
  • Sexual orientation.
  • Political beliefs.
  • Health, such as having HIV or AIDS.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Anyone immigrant, male or female, who faces violence, sexual assault or emotional abuse by their spouse or other family members who are citizens or lawful permanent residences may obtain U.S. residency under the VAWA law.

U Visa

Immigrants who have been victims of certain crimes and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement by providing information and assisting in the investigation and prosecution of the crime may be granted permanent residency by way of a U Visa. The crime must have occurred in the U.S. and violated U.S. law.

Derivative asylum

Applicants who are granted asylum may then apply for derivative asylum on behalf of their spouses and their unmarried children who are under the age of 21. The family members may be either in the U.S. or residing in another country. They are granted asylum based on the grant of asylum to the original applicant.

If you are seeking asylum for yourself or derivative asylum for a loved one, you need the assistance of the Law Offices of Cobos & Ayala, California Deportation Defense Attorneys. The firm is composed of a group of attorneys who have nearly two decades of experience working on behalf of clients seeking asylum from many different countries.

The attorneys recognize that each client has a unique story. They listen and understand your needs. They are tenacious in their representation and do everything in their power to keep families together during the difficult process of obtaining asylum. For your convenience, they have offices in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino & Orange Counties & San Fernando Valley.