On behalf of Cynthia Ceballos of Ceballos Legal Consulting LLC on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.
Many immigrants live in constant fear when they have left their home country to enter the United States. The fear is more than what accompanies a major life transition, it is one that grips their life as they desperately cling to the mercy of a new country. These types of immigrants are in serious need of protection from the nation they have left behind.
Asylum and refugee seeking immigrants have no other hope than the country they have fled to for protection. America has historically received countless individuals and families escaping serious threat in their homeland. But how do local officials examine the petitions of immigrants seeking asylum or refugee status?
Approved criteria
Every story immigrants share with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) needs proof to back it up. There are many lives that are waiting for some type of answer to their attempt to relocate into The United States. ICE officials must be able to determine which immigrants are in immediate danger if they were to return to their country of origin.
Persecution claims must be founded on the basis of:
- Political identification
- Religious oppression
- Genocide
- Gender (female circumcision, child-bride, etc.)
These are some of the most common types of persecution faced with immigrants seeking refugee status. Harassment is not enough to establish a strong cause for persecution claims. Immigrants need to have undergone serious trauma and/or nationwide threats.
Legal help is crucial
Immigrants need to seek legal help in their fight to remain in the United States. It is crucial for individuals and families to have the proper laws and paperwork established and secured through legal counsel. Without legal backup, many lives are at risk for having their rights and petitions unfairly denied. Legal help is available and should be utilized in such a sensitive situation.
Everyone deserves to have their story heard and their humanity valued. Hopefully, the laws will protect individuals who are facing extreme hardships and may lose their lives if they return to the country they have fled from. Nevertheless, the legal system is a valuable system to help people fight for their freedom and lives in America.