At The Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we’ve once again navigated through complex legal challenges to secure a triumphant asylum verdict for a client whose faith and future hung in the balance. We would like to share their case with you.  

Client Returns to Our Office After Our Prior Success

The client had previously visited our office seeking our assistance with his case. After reviewing the case thoroughly, we discovered that his previous attorney had failed to submit the change of address form, which resulted in the client receiving a removal order. However, we were able to successfully reopen the case and have the removal order set aside. As a result, the client then hired us to represent him in his asylum case before the Immigration Court.

Diligent Legal Representation: Our Team Prepares for Trial

Our team promptly began working to assist our client with his asylum case. We thoroughly reviewed records of his prior statements, discussed them with him, and updated any supporting evidence to strengthen his case. As the client's court date drew near, we also helped him prepare for trial by conducting mock direct examinations to better equip him for his day in court. Our client was under immense stress as he feared returning to his home country, due to his Christian faith.

Advocates in Court: Rehabilitating Credibility

Unfortunately, during the hearing, our client struggled to answer questions about his asylum claim, specifically about his Church activities in the United States. He was unable to remember his pastor’s name and got some details incorrect regarding the physical aspects of the Church he attended most recently. Thankfully, due to our team’s quick thinking, we were able to use a witness’s testimony, his pastor, to rehabilitate our client’s credibility. We focused on the pastor’s relationship with the client and his knowledge of the church to strengthen the client’s asylum claim.  

The case was hard won, and the Immigration Judge admitted on the record to being unsure as to what decision he would take on the case. However, mere hours later, the Judge recalled our team into a hearing and granted the case. The client was thrilled and shocked to receive a grant of asylum on the same day of his hearing!

What to Look for in an Asylum Claim

To be eligible for asylum, an applicant must establish they are unwilling or unable to return to their country of nationality or country of last habitual residence and are unable or unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country because of past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The applicant must also establish they are not subject to any bars to asylum.  

Asylum cases rely on an applicant’s credible testimony to establish that the elements of asylum have been met. Whether an applicant’s testimony is considered is dependent on the totality of the circumstances, including the demeanor, responsiveness, plausibility, and consistency between the applicant’s or witness’s statements.  

The Law Offices of Sabrina Li: Zealously Fighting for You!

Asylum is more than a legal status; it is a lifeline for those facing grave dangers in their homeland. The nuanced understanding of asylum law and the compelling advocacy of the Law Offices of Sabrina Li have once again led to a favorable decision, granting our client safety and a future in the United States. For those seeking champions in their corner, our team remains ready to extend expert legal support. Contact us at (213) 375-8096 or via info@sabrinali.law—your fight for justice is our commitment.