Minneapolis Asylum Attorney

Asylum Lawyer in Minneapolis, MN

If you are a foreign national, you may be able to come into the U.S. through asylum. Asylum is a process that allows foreign nationals to live in the U.S., seek work authorization, obtain a necessary green card, and even file for official citizenship. However, seeking asylum can prove to be a difficult process. At Hong Immigration Law, our experienced Minneapolis asylum attorney is here to assist you in petitioning for asylum and can represent you in the legal process to come.

Trust the Attorneys at Hong Immigration Law

In 2009, attorney Sung Woo Hong came to the United States as an international student on an F-1 visa. He later obtained permanent residency in 2012 and became a U.S. citizen in 2019. 

Drawing from his personal immigration journey, Hong provides compassionate and effective representation to clients navigating the asylum process. Fluent in both English and Korean, he approaches every case with dedication and care.

Defining Asylum in Minneapolis

In a single year, the U.S. welcomes around 17,692 asylum-seekers into the country. Asylum is a form of protection under U.S. immigration law for individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. If granted asylum, you may remain in the U.S. and begin building a safer and more stable future.

Minneapolis is a popular area for asylum-seekers. In 2024 alone, almost 3,000 people became residents of Minnesota through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The state has the highest number of refugees per capita of any other state in the United States.

In order to qualify for asylum, however, you must be able to show that you have a real and honest fear of persecution in your home country. This persecution can be based on:

• Physical violence, such as assault, beating, sexual abuse or rape, invasive physical examinations, forced sterilization or abortion, forced labor, genital mutilation, or other forms of physical abuse
• Torture, whether it occurs through physical violence or is the deliberate act of mental harm, or prolonged detention that is unlawful
• Threats of harm, especially if the harm threatened is serious or it results in psychological or emotional damage
• Human rights violations, such as acts of genocide
• The infliction of any kind of emotional, mental, or psychological harm, such as interfering with a person’s privacy, intimidation, surveillance, or being forced to take part in something that runs counter to your belief systems or convictions
• The unlawful detention of another, which happens when you are detained without any kind of due process, or when you have been detained for discriminatory or political reasons
• Economic discrimination or harm, such as the deliberate deprivation of employment, food, or housing, or the confiscation or destruction of your property
• Other forms of harassment or discrimination, such as the denial of your passport, pressure to work for a government or organization against your wishes, or having your access to education restricted

If you find yourself facing any of these forms of persecution, you may be eligible to apply for asylum. There are two main ways of applying for asylum in the United States. The first is known as affirmative asylum and is applicable to individuals already living in the U.S., who are ideally those here on a valid visa. You have one year to apply for asylum after your arrival in the country.

The other form of asylum is known as defensive asylum and occurs when you live outside the U.S. and you do not have a valid visa to enter. You can claim this kind of asylum at any port of entry, such as when crossing the border. Keep in mind that this form of asylum is much more complicated, and having an attorney on your side is paramount.  

Why You Need to Hire an Asylum Lawyer

Though it is not legally required of you to hire an asylum lawyer, a legal professional can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case. At Hong Immigration Law, our asylum attorney can help ensure the following during the asylum process:

• Your rights stay protected. At Hong Immigration Law, our lawyers can fight for your case and ensure that you both understand your rights through every stage of the process and that these rights are protected. 
• A persuasive and clearly presented case. Hong Immigration Law knows how to position your story in a way that helps to convince the government and agencies involved in your case that you have a dire need for the protection asylum allows. 
• You avoid any mistakes. Having an attorney on your side can help ensure you do not make any mistakes that could place your asylum case in jeopardy. 
• Your paperwork is accurate. Your lawyer can ensure that all paperwork necessary for your case is properly filled out and filed. Any kind of incorrect or incomplete forms or any mistakes in your application can lead to delays or result in denial. 
• You are prepared. At Hong Immigration Law, we are here to ensure you are properly prepared to present your case for asylum in both a clear and persuasive manner.

At Hong Immigration Law, we take asylum cases very seriously because we know what is at stake. We have a deep and personal understanding of the U.S. immigration system and can use this understanding to gain the upper hand in your case. We are dedicated to providing you with the tailored service you deserve and can fight for your right to seek safety and asylum in the United States. 

Hire an Asylum Attorney

Applying for asylum can be a daunting and complicated process. Thankfully, when you hire an asylum attorney from Hong Immigration Law, you can rest easy knowing you have the right legal team by your side.

From initial applications to interviews and hearings, we can guide you through each step, advocating strongly for your goals. You should feel safe and secure. Our team is committed to helping you pursue that protection under U.S. law.

Contact Hong Immigration Law today to schedule your appointment with our Minneapolis asylum attorney to learn more about securing your future in America. We’re conveniently located at the Uptown Office Park, situated on Hennepin Avenue, just off MN-65.