Finding a lawyer
How do I find a free or low-cost lawyer near me?
It is very important that you find a good lawyer to help you apply for asylum. Search your zip code in this directory from the Immigration Advocates Network to find a reliable, free or low-cost legal provider near you.
Important: Some people in the United States try to take advantage of immigrants. To protect yourself from fraud, please see this guide from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.
NOTE: If you are an Afghan parolee in Maryland looking to access legal support, please fill out this Intake Form or contact us at afghanlegal@hias.org. We are actively accepting new clients under this new initiative. The flyer on the project is available here.
What if I do not have a lawyer and am representing myself?
If you do not have a lawyer and are representing yourself, please see this webpage from the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project for more information.
Resources
Can I access benefits as an asylum seeker?
Unfortunately, federal benefits are only available to people who have already received a grant of asylum. Other benefits available to asylum seekers across the United States tend to be very limited. Certain state and local governments, however, provide benefits to asylum seekers.
If you live in Washington, D.C., you may be able to receive health insurance through the D.C. Healthcare Alliance. For more information, click here.
If you live in Montgomery County, MD, you may be able to receive health care through Montgomery Cares. For more information, click here.
Resources for Asylum Seekers
Below are organizations helping asylum seekers in D.C. and Maryland.
Washington, D.C.
202-588-5452
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center
11002 Veirs Mill Rd., Wheaton, MD 20902
240-777-4940
Baltimore
443-873-0984
DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Immigration Emergency Hotline: 202-335-1183
Annapolis Immigration Justice Network
1125 West Street, Suite 623, Annapolis MD 21401
717-584-4860
Asylum Seekers Housing Network
North Baltimore Mennonite Church, 4615 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210
ashn.office@gmail.com
Episcopal Refugee and Immigrant Center Alliance (ERICA)
Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 E. University Parkway Baltimore, MD 21218
410-467-3751
Common Questions
Do I qualify for asylum?
To qualify for asylum, you must have been persecuted or have a fear that you will be persecuted if you return to your home country due to race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a social group. To apply for asylum, you must be at the U.S. border or within the United States.
How long do I have to apply for asylum?
In general, all asylum applicants must apply within one-year of their most recent arrival into the United States. If an applicant misses this one-year filing deadline, their asylum application will be denied unless they meet an exception to the deadline.
Can I bring my family members to the United States as an asylum seeker?
Asylum seekers are unfortunately not able to bring family members to the U.S. until after they are granted asylum. If you do receive asylum, you may bring your spouse and eligible children to the United States by filing an I-730 petition.
Do I qualify for benefits as an asylum seeker?
In general, asylum seekers are not eligible for federal benefits until they receive asylum. Eligibility for state and local programs varies by location. Please see our “Resources for Asylum Seekers” section and general “Resources” section for more information on assistance for asylum seekers.