Seeking asylum in the United States can be a life-changing step for individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries. If you live in South Florida, understanding how the asylum process in Florida works — and how to prepare your application correctly — is essential to protecting your rights and your future.

At Brutus Law Group, our experienced asylum attorneys in South Florida help individuals and families across Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale navigate this complex legal process with skill and compassion.

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What Constitutes Asylum?

Asylum is a form of protection granted to foreign nationals who are already in the United States or at a port of entry and cannot return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution.
To qualify for asylum under U.S. immigration law, applicants must show that they have been persecuted — or fear future persecution — based on one or more of the following grounds:

• Race

• Religion

• Nationality

• Political opinion

• Membership in a particular social group

Common examples include journalists facing government threats, LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing violence, or activists targeted for political beliefs.

If granted, asylum allows you to live and work legally in the U.S., apply for a Social Security number, and eventually pursue a green card(lawful permanent residence).

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The Asylum Process in Florida

The asylum process in Florida follows two primary paths: affirmative and defensive asylum.

1. Affirmative Asylum Process

This process applies if you are not currently in removal proceedings. You submit Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After filing, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment and an asylum interview at one of Florida’s USCIS asylum offices — commonly located in Miami for South Florida residents.

During the interview, an asylum officer will evaluate your testimony, supporting evidence, and credibility before making a decision.

2. Defensive Asylum Process

If you are already in immigration court (removal proceedings), your asylum claim becomes defensive — meaning you are applying for asylum as a defense against deportation. These cases are heard by an Immigration Judge within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Defensive asylum cases are typically more complex and require detailed preparation, strong evidence, and skilled legal representation from a South Florida immigration attorney familiar with local court procedures in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando.

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Deadlines You Must Know

Timing is critical.
You must file your asylum application within one year of your last arrival in the United States. Missing this deadline can result in your case being denied unless you qualify for specific exceptions, such as:

• Significant changes in your home country’s conditions

• Extraordinary personal circumstances (serious illness, legal disability, etc.)

Because the one-year rule is strictly enforced, working with a knowledgeable immigration law firm in Delray Beach or West Palm Beach ensures your application is filed correctly and on time.

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Evidence Needed for a Strong Asylum Case

Building a persuasive asylum claim depends on credible and consistent evidence. Applicants should gather as much documentation as possible to support their claim, including:

• Personal statements and affidavits

• Country condition reports (e.g., from the U.S. Department of State or Human Rights Watch)

• Police records or medical reports proving past harm

• Photographs, emails, or social media messages showing threats or persecution

• Testimonies from family members, witnesses, or experts

Even if some evidence is difficult to obtain, a skilled asylum attorney in South Florida can help you organize, translate, and present your case effectively to maximize your chances of success.

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How Brutus Law Group Helps Asylum Seekers in South Florida

At Brutus Law Group, we are proud to stand with individuals and families seeking protection in the United States. Our immigration team serves clients across Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Miami, and throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County.

Here’s how we assist asylum applicants:

• Carefully evaluate eligibility and deadlines

• Prepare and file Form I-589 and all supporting documents

• Guide clients through biometrics, interviews, and immigration court hearings

• Communicate clearly in multiple languages — including English, Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole — to ensure understanding throughout the process

Our approach combines compassionate service with strategic legal advocacy, helping you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

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Final Thoughts

Applying for asylum in South Florida can feel overwhelming, but with the right legal guidance and preparation, you can protect your future and your family. Whether you are beginning the asylum process in Delray Beach, responding to a notice in Miami, or facing removal proceedings in West Palm Beach, the experienced attorneys at Brutus Law Group are here to help you understand your rights and navigate every step of the journey.