Asylum & Humanitarian Protection

Applying for asylum in the United States is a detailed and sensitive process that begins with filing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must be submitted within one year of your arrival in the U.S., unless you qualify for an exception. After filing, applicants are typically scheduled for a biometrics appointment and later an interview at a USCIS asylum office—or, in some cases, before an immigration judge if placed in removal proceedings. During the interview, you must explain why you cannot safely return to your home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Because credibility and detailed documentation are critical, working with an experienced asylum attorney can be invaluable. At Goss Law, we help clients prepare for interviews, organize supporting evidence, and provide clear guidance about eligibility and potential challenges. While the process can be unpredictable and fact-specific, strong preparation greatly improves your chance of success.

Asylum cases are decided largely on credibility and supporting evidence. Applicants must demonstrate that they suffered persecution in the past or have a reasonable fear of future persecution if returned to their home country. In Minneapolis asylum cases, useful evidence includes personal affidavits describing what happened to you, country condition reports documenting violence or human rights abuses, medical records showing injuries, police reports or official documents, and affidavits from witnesses or community members. If the claim is based on religion or political opinion, evidence of church attendance, political membership, or public activism can strengthen the case. It is important to know that many asylum seekers cannot obtain complete evidence because of the dangers they faced. USCIS and immigration judges understand this, but applicants must still provide as much credible documentation as possible. At Goss Law, we help clients collect evidence, prepare detailed personal statements, and connect their stories with recognized patterns of persecution in their country of origin. An experienced Minneapolis asylum attorney ensures that the claim is framed within the law, increasing the chance of approval. Because weak evidence or inconsistent details can damage credibility, having legal support is especially critical.

The asylum interview is a critical part of the process for applicants in Minnesota. It is conducted by an asylum officer at a USCIS asylum office. During the interview, you will be asked detailed questions about your background, how you entered the U.S., why you fear returning to your home country, and any past persecution you experienced. The officer will assess not only your story, but also your demeanor, consistency, and credibility. Applicants may bring supporting documents, and an interpreter if needed. The interview is non-adversarial in nature, but it can feel intimidating because the officer may ask difficult or repetitive questions to test your truthfulness. A decision is usually mailed after the interview, though in some cases delays occur, and applicants may be referred to immigration court. At Goss Law, we prepare asylum seekers in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities by conducting practice interviews, reviewing likely questions, and ensuring evidence is well organized. Our role is to help clients tell their story clearly, honestly, and consistently, while understanding what to expect in the room. Having an experienced Minneapolis asylum lawyer by your side helps reduce anxiety and improves the likelihood of presenting a strong, credible claim.

Yes, asylum seekers in Minneapolis can apply for work authorization, but only after meeting certain waiting periods. Current rules allow applicants to file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) 150 days after submitting their asylum application. USCIS generally issues the work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) once the case has been pending for at least 180 days without a decision. This waiting period is designed to discourage frivolous claims, but for applicants with valid cases, it can be a long time without lawful income. Once approved, the work permit allows you to obtain lawful employment, a Social Security number, and in many cases, a Minnesota driver’s license. Work authorization is renewable as long as the asylum case remains pending or is granted. At Goss Law, we assist clients with filing work permit applications alongside their asylum claims to avoid unnecessary delays. Having the ability to work legally while awaiting a decision is critical for financial stability. If your asylum case is referred to court or delayed, an experienced asylum lawyer in Minneapolis can help ensure your employment authorization remains valid, protecting your right to work during the process.

If your asylum application is denied by USCIS, the outcome depends on your current immigration status. Applicants who are not in lawful status are typically referred to the immigration court in Bloomington, Minnesota, where an immigration judge will review the case. In court, applicants may present additional evidence, call witnesses, and testify again about their fear of returning to their home country. While the stakes are high, this second opportunity can strengthen a claim if properly prepared. If the judge also denies asylum, you may appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and, in some cases, federal court. Other forms of relief, such as Withholding of Removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), may also be available if asylum is not granted. These provide more limited rights but still protect you from deportation. At Goss Law, we represent clients at every stage of the process—before USCIS, in immigration court, and on appeal if necessary. An asylum denial does not always mean the end of the road, but it does make strong legal representation essential. A Minneapolis asylum attorney can help you explore all available options to remain safe in the U.S.