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Helping Clients with the Complex Nature of United States Immigration Law
If you are fleeing persecution, violence, or human rights violations in your home country, you need more than legal paperwork — you need an asylum immigration lawyer who will fight for you. Attorney Ernesto Buitrago has built his career representing individuals and families seeking safety and a future in the United States. At Buitrago Law Firm, we understand what is at stake, and we do not take that lightly.
Voted a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine in both 2022 and 2023 — an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida — and recognized as a Top Attorney in Tampa Bay, Ernesto Buitrago brings courtroom-tested skill and personal dedication to every asylum case he takes on.
Your future is worth protecting. Contact our Tampa asylum lawyer today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Buitrago Law Firm as Your Tampa Asylum Lawyer?
Asylum cases are among the most consequential and complex in all of immigration law. A denial can mean deportation to the country you fled. The right asylum attorney in Tampa can mean the difference between protection and removal.
Here is why clients trust Attorney Buitrago with their asylum cases:
- Nationally recognized immigration authority — Admitted to practice before any Immigration Court in the United States, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, and a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
- A proven record — Clients like Gaston H. describe Buitrago as having “a strategy from the start” while other attorneys offered none. Juan C.’s family received their green cards after 3.5 years of a complex process, calling the firm “fantastic.”
- Personal attention at every step — Clients consistently describe Ernesto as patient, knowledgeable, and responsive. “He understood everything and gave me great details on what needs to be done,” says client Anita P.
- Nationwide reach from Tampa Bay — While based in Tampa, FL, Buitrago Law Firm serves clients across the United States.
Helping Clients Navigate the Complex Nature of U.S. Immigration Law
If awarded asylum, immigrants gain the right to live in the United States, obtain work authorization, get a green card, and eventually seek naturalization. Not everyone qualifies for asylum, though. In some cases, hopeful immigrants may be better served applying for immigration visas instead. If you do qualify, it is critical that you work with an experienced Tampa asylum immigration lawyer who can protect your application — and your future.
Contact Buitrago Law Firm today for compassionate, skilled legal assistance with your asylum case.
What Is an Asylum Seeker?
Asylum seekers are immigrants and their families who have fled their home countries due to violence, war, famine, human rights abuses, fear of persecution, and other dangerous or life-threatening conditions. An asylum seeker can gain protection by applying for asylum in another country under immigration law.
When a hopeful asylee enters the United States, they are not automatically granted legal status. They must reside in the U.S. while awaiting approval of their asylum application. Asylum seekers whose applications are denied or whose cases no longer qualify for protection may face deportation.
Asylum is not the only method of immigration for those fleeing dangerous conditions — it may also be possible to file for an immigration visa. To explore your options, please schedule your free case evaluation today.
Which Immigrants May Potentially Qualify for Asylum?
If you are fleeing your home country because you face persecution, threats of violence, or other infringements on your human rights, you may qualify for asylum in the United States. These threats typically must relate to a protected category, including:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership in a particular social group
Applicants must provide proof of dangerous conditions that qualify them for legal asylum status and must currently reside within the United States when submitting their application (Form I-589).
What Forms of Persecution May Qualify an Individual for Asylum?
Persecution does not have to be physical to qualify. It encompasses any serious, targeted mistreatment of an individual’s basic human rights — conduct that rises above the level of simple harassment.
Common forms of persecution that may qualify for asylum include:
- Assaults
- Deliberate deprivation of housing, food, or employment
- Denial of a passport
- Destruction or confiscation of private property
- Detainment for political or discriminatory reasons
- Detainment without due process
- Economic discrimination
- Forced abortion or sterilization
- Forced labor
- Genital mutilation
- Human rights violations, including genocide
- Invasive physical exams
- Pressure to work for the government
- Prolonged unlawful detention
- Rape or sexual abuse
- Restrictions on access to education
- Torture
- Serious threats of harm, whether physical or psychological
- Unlawful surveillance or interference with a person’s privacy
- Various forms of physical abuse
- And other forms of discrimination or serious mistreatment
The persecution you fear must come from your government, or from an entity your government cannot or will not protect you from.
What Is the U.S. Asylum Process?
The first step is to physically arrive in the United States, either by crossing the border or with a valid visa. Those who express credible concerns about returning to their home country may be referred to an asylum officer for an interview.
You must submit an asylum application within one year of your arrival in the United States and attend all required interviews and hearings. After security checks and interviews, U.S. government officials will determine whether to grant you asylum and the right to live and work in the United States.
An experienced Tampa asylum lawyer can prepare you at every stage and help you avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
What Is the Difference Between Affirmative Asylum and Defensive Asylum?
Individuals already in the U.S. who are not citizens can file Form I-589 to apply for affirmative asylum. This process can take a significant amount of time and is not available to everyone due to special circumstances. It is essential to speak with an attorney to understand your rights.
Defensive asylum is available to people who are unlawfully present in the U.S. or attempting to enter without a valid visa. This process is considered riskier and more complicated. Those who apply for defensive asylum may be detained, and if unsuccessful, they may face deportation proceedings.
Understanding which path applies to your situation — and executing it correctly — is where an asylum immigration lawyer becomes indispensable.
Can Asylees Become Green Card Holders?
Yes. Asylees with official legal status may apply for a green card one year after receiving asylum. Family members who also obtained asylum may apply as well. Green cards make immigrants legal permanent residents and place them on the pathway to citizenship.
What Clients Say About Working With Our Asylum Lawyers in Tampa
“He was very knowledgeable about my situation, was very sensitive and spoke to me in a very respectful manner.”
— Stephanie G.
“Ernesto was very patient, and kind with all the questions I had… He understood everything and gave me great details on what needs to be done.”
— Anita P.
“Best Immigration Lawyer in Florida. He made things so simple for me.”
— Maria
“You will be in great hands with this attorney representing you.”
— Gaston H.
Do Not Face Your Asylum Case Alone — Contact a Tampa Asylum Lawyer Today
Attempting to navigate the asylum process without legal representation is a serious risk. A denial can mean deportation back to the very country you are trying to flee.
Attorney Ernesto Buitrago has years of experience representing clients in complex immigration cases before Immigration Courts across the United States. Our firm serves clients in the Tampa Bay area and nationwide.
Schedule your free case evaluation today — or call us at 866-519-3545 to speak with our team about your situation.