Asylum

We help you and your family gain protection in the United States through asylum

Asylum is a critical humanitarian immigration path. At Stouffer Law, we are honored to have helped many individuals and families from all over the world win their human right to live safely in the United States through asylum. Our lead attorney, Christine Stouffer, has worked with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Pro Bono Asylum Program as interim staff attorney, and with other humanitarian organizations, for over 10 years. She proudly continues to serve as a mentor attorney in the program and participate in panel discussions and trainings.

We consider the many requirements for asylum

To qualify for asylum, you must show that you have either been persecuted in the past or have a well-founded fear that you will be persecuted in the future based on at least one of the following grounds of persecution:

Religion
Nationality
Race
Political opinion
Membership in a particular social group (a “social group” may include being a victim of domestic violence or being a member of a group based on gender or sexual orientation)

You must apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States. There are some exceptions to the one-year deadline. An exception can be made, for example, if your family’s life circumstances, or the circumstances in your home country, have changed.

If you are genuinely afraid to return to your home country, asylum may be available to you regardless of whether you have legal status in the United States or not.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the process or whether you may be eligible for asylum. The consultation is confidential. Based on our long experience and up-to-date knowledge of the laws, the experienced attorney conducting your initial consultation will provide you with an honest and thorough assessment so that you can make the best decision about how to move forward.

You’re in the right place if you are thinking about reaching out for help, want to understand your options, or just want to know more about working with us. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when you begin your journey with Stouffer Law.

Accreditations

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1. Intake Screening to Understand Your Unique Circumstances and Needs

When you first contact us, whether by phone, email, or through our website form, you will be greeted by our compassionate and caring intake team.

Their role is to listen, understand your situation, and determine whether your case falls within our areas of expertise.

If your matter is something we can assist with, our intake team will guide you toward the next step: scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. Consultations are primarily available via video conference with some availability for in-person meetings at our Berkeley, California office.

If we are not the right fit for your case, we will still do our best to point you in the right direction by offering referrals to other offices or organizations that may be able to help. Our goal is always to support you, even if it means connecting you elsewhere.

2. In-Depth Consultation With an Experienced Immigration Attorney

Once your consultation is scheduled, our intake team will send you a confirmation email with a Zoom link (or in-person details if you prefer to meet in our Berkeley office).

To make sure we can provide you with the most personalized legal advice, you will complete a short online questionnaire and upload relevant documents before the meeting. This preparation allows your attorney to carefully review your situation ahead of time, so your consultation can focus on clear guidance, tailored recommendations, and answering your most pressing questions.

Our initial consultation fee is $400, payable online prior to the meeting.
You will arrive at your consultation knowing your attorney is ready to support you in making the best decisions for yourself and your family.

3. Working With Our Team on Your Immigration Matter

If you decide to move forward with us, we will send your contract electronically for review and signature, along with instructions for submitting your deposit.

Once these steps are completed, your case officially begins.

You will be paired with both a lead attorney and lead paralegal, but you will also have the full support of the entire Stouffer Law team. This includes attorneys with decades of experience in immigration, including a Certified Specialist in Immigration Law with the California State Bar, experienced immigration paralegals, and dedicated support staff.

We work collaboratively, which means you always have a team behind you, responding whenever you have questions or new circumstances you want to discuss.

Our hands-on approach and deep engagement in the broader immigration community keep us at the forefront of changes in immigration law and policy, allowing us to navigate any shifts in your case with confidence and care.

As soon as you hire us, we will walk you through a thorough onboarding process. This will help you understand how we communicate, what steps to expect, and how we work efficiently and effectively on your behalf. From the first day to the last when we celebrate together, we will be with you at every stage of the journey.