When most people think of immigration lawyers, they picture someone who helps people become citizens of a new country. While that is one role that immigration lawyers play, it is by no means the only role. In fact, there are many differences between immigration lawyer in Miami {Abogado de inmigracion en Miami} and asylum attorneys. Here’s a look at some of the key ways they differ:
1) Scope of Practice
The first and perhaps most obvious difference between immigration lawyers and asylum attorneys is the scope of their practice. Immigration lawyers help people with a wide range of matters related to immigrating to or living in a new country. This can include everything from filing the necessary paperwork to obtain a visa or green card to helping immigrants navigate the often-complex process of becoming naturalized citizens. Asylum attorneys, on the other hand, help people who have been displaced due to persecution or fear of persecution in their home countries. This includes refugees as well as individuals who are seeking asylum.
2) Areas of Focus
Another key difference between these two types of lawyers is their areas of focus. Immigration law is a broad field that covers many different topics. As a result, immigration lawyers often specialize in one or more specific areas, such as family-based immigration or business immigration. Asylum law, on the other hand, is much narrower in focus. Since it only deals with cases involving refugee status or asylum, asylum attorneys generally do not have a need to specialize in any particular area.
3) Common Clientele
Given the different scopes of practice and areas of focus for immigration lawyers and asylum attorneys, it should come as no surprise that they tend to have different types of clients. Immigration lawyers typically work with individuals and families who are looking to immigrate to a new country or become naturalized citizens. Asylum attorneys, on the other hand, work mainly with refugees and other individuals who have been displaced due to persecution or fear of persecution in their home countries.
4) Legal Process
The legal process for immigration and asylum cases also differs in some key ways. Immigration lawyers often work with their clients on a longer-term basis, helping them navigate the sometimes years-long process of becoming a citizen or obtaining a visa or green card. Asylum cases, however, tend to move much more quickly. This is because individuals seeking asylum often need immediate protection from the danger they are facing in their home country.
5) Legal Representation
In both immigration and asylum cases, individuals have the right to legal representation. However, there is a crucial difference in how this assistance is provided. While individuals seeking immigration benefits can hire a private attorney, individuals seeking asylum are only guaranteed legal representation if they cannot afford to hire an attorney on their own. This is because asylum cases are considered to be matters of “life or death,” and individuals should not be denied the right to legal representation due to financial limitations.
Conclusion:
If you’re facing an issue related to immigration, you may be wondering whether you need an immigration lawyer or an asylum attorney. Both types of lawyers deal with immigration-related matters, but there are some key ways in which they differ. The main differences between immigration lawyers and asylum attorneys include the scope of their practice, their areas of focus, and their typical clientele. Keep these differences in mind when choosing an attorney to best suit your needs.
