Affirmative Asylum

Affirmative Asylum Applications

What Is Affirmative Asylum?

Asylum seekers are individuals who have fled their countries of origin. At its heart, the asylum process is designed to provide protection to those who may face harm or danger if they return to their home countries. Once an individual arrives in the United States, they have the right to apply for asylum and are entitled to a fair and thorough hearing with the USCiS Asylum Field Office to determine their eligibility for protection. 

There are two forms of asylum options, affirmative and defensive. At Kandilian Immigration Law LLC, we help those seeking to apply for affirmative asylum throughout the country.  This form of asylum involves a person who is not in removal proceedings and did not make a claim at a land border or port of entry. Affirmative asylum applicants may apply directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the application is not granted, the applicant will then be referred to removal proceedings for review by an Immigration Judge.

What Steps Are Involved in Applying for Affirmative Asylum?

The affirmative asylum process follows the following seven steps:

  1. Presence in the United States: In order to apply for asylum, you must be physically in the country.
  2. Apply for asylum: Within one year of arrival, you must file Form I-589. 
  3. Background checks: You will have a fingerprinting appointment at your nearest applicant support center (ASC). If you are requesting asylum for your family members, they must attend the appointment with you. 
  4. Interview notice: After your fingerprinting appointment, you will be scheduled for an interview with an asylum officer. This will be held at a USCIS asylum office or a USCIS field office. 
  5. Interview: The interview may last one hour or more depending on the circumstances of your application. You must bring your family members who are also seeking asylum. In addition, you may bring an attorney, witnesses to testify on your behalf, and an interpreter. 
  6. Decision: After your interview, and asylum office will determine if you meet the legal standards.  A supervisory asylum officer will review the decision to ensure it abides with the law.
  7. Decision notification: USCIS will issue a written decision which will be mailed to you and your attorney if you are represented. 

Speak With an Experienced Attorney About Affirmative Asylum Applications

The affirmative asylum application process can be difficult to go through alone. With the help of our experienced attorney, we can guide you through process and be at your side in the interview.

At Kandilian Immigration Law LLC, we are committed to representing and helping clients navigate the complex asylum process. Let us help you and your loved ones work toward asylum in the United States.

Call us today at (617) 752-8488 or contact us online. 

How Kandilian Immigration Law is Different

  • Preparation & Understanding

    You will receive clear guidance and practical resources to navigate every stage of your application. Kandilian Immigration Law prepares clients thoroughly for USCIS interviews and each step of the consular process.

    By combining legal insight with a straightforward approach, the firm helps simplify complex immigration matters while keeping your goals at the center of the process.

  • Reasonable Fees & Payment Structure

    All core legal services are offered on a flat-fee basis, with credit card payments accepted through major providers. Kandilian Immigration Law is committed to delivering high-quality legal work, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy at every stage of the process.

    Your choice of counsel should be reflected not only in who you hire, but in the level of service and results you experience throughout your case.

  • Modern Capabilities & Transparency

    Clients are provided secure access to an online case management platform, enabling remote completion of case tasks and safe document uploads. Access is maintained throughout the application process and for future filings, supporting a seamless, long-term attorney-client relationship.

  • Access & Flexibility

    Geographic proximity no longer needs to be a deciding factor when choosing an immigration law firm. Through secure video conferencing and online case management tools, clients can avoid unnecessary travel and manage their cases efficiently without disrupting their daily schedules.

    "By far, he is the best immigration lawyer I've encountered."
    Nareg is very patient, kind, and extremely understanding, taking the time to explain everything in detail and addressing all my concerns. His fees are reasonable, offering top-notch service without breaking the bank.
    - Former Client
    "We highly recommend him."
    From preparing the documents to preparing for the interview, we are so happy we worked with Nareg.
    - Jim C.
    "I cannot recommend Nareg enough!"
    From our first meeting in person, to the last email sent on our cases Nareg was prompt, professional and had a deep understanding of the immigration process
    - Anonymous
    "Thank you so much Nareg we could not have done it without you."
    Nareg is extremely professional and handled our case with great care. He made happen what two other lawyers could not.
    - Gus W.
    "In today's climate, it is important to have strong legal representation in immigration matters, and I highly recommend Nareg."
    During each step of the process - consultation, collecting marriage evidence, filing, interview prep - Nareg was clear in his explanations and did an amazing job in ensuring our case was approved with no hurdles.
    - Benji
    "He is a true professional and a fantastic immigration lawyer."
    It quickly became clear that he knows the procedures and best practices for the immigration process.
    - Tom
    "We would recommend him to anyone who is thinking about hiring an immigration lawyer."
    From the first visit till the end of the job, Mr. Kandilian was there with us making every effort to make the procedure of OUR fiance' based application go as smoothly as possible.
    - Anthony
    "I strongly recommend Nareg Kandilian for your immigration needs."
    I have worked with several different lawyers for our family’s immigration status changes and I want to tell everyone that Nareg Kandilian was the best of the best.
    - Anonymous

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