Expert Guidance from Attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan
Get clear answers about citizenship, green cards, asylum, VAWA, and family immigration from Seattle attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan. Latest USCIS policy updates, step-by-step guides, Know Your Rights resources, and immigration news in English and Spanish. 20+ years of experience helping Seattle's immigrant community.
Seattle Immigration Law Updates & Resources
Essential Immigration Resources
Know Your Rights:
A Comprehensive Guide for Immigrants Encountering ICE
Master
the 2025 USCIS Civics Test
Cómo Verificar el Estatus de una Solicitud o Caso de Inmigración Pendiente
Exceptions to the 1-Year Bar in Asylum Cases
Under current U.S. immigration law, an applicant for asylum must file his or her application within one year of his or her last date of arrival to the U.S. This one-year filing deadline applies to all applicants who apply for asylum on or after April 16, 1998. It is the applicant’s duty to establish that he or she filed the application within the one-year filing deadline. The one-year period is calculated from the day after the applicant’s last day of arrival in the U.S.
Asilo - ¿Qué sucede cuando usted tiene miedo de regresar a su país de origen?
Una gran parte de nuestra práctica en L.I.H. Law se dedica a ayudar a aquellos que tienen miedo de regresar a su país de origen a causa de algún tipo de daños, amenazas o persecución a los que se enfrentaron anteriormente o podrían enfrentar en el futuro. Los EE.UU. ofrece una forma de protección para las personas así—se llama el asilo. Si usted califica para asilo es posible que se le permita permanecer en los Estados Unidos.
Asylum: What happens when you have fear of returning to your country?
A large part of our practice at L.I.H. Law is dedicated to helping those who have fear of returning to their home country on account of some form of harm, threats, or persecution they faced or may face in the future. The U.S. offers a form of protection for people such as this—it is called asylum. If you are eligible for asylum you may be permitted to remain in the United States.