Leaving your home country to escape violence, persecution, or danger is one of the bravest things a person can do. But arriving in the United States doesn’t automatically mean you’re safe: you still have to go through a legal process to prove you need protection. If you’re trying to figure out what that process looks like, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. At The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti, we help immigrants across Long Island navigate the asylum system from start to finish. As an experienced lawyer for an asylum case, we listen to your story, explain your options honestly, and fight to make sure you get a real chance to stay safe in this country.
Asylum is a form of legal protection that allows people who have been persecuted or who have a well-founded fear of persecution to remain in the United States. It’s not just for people escaping war. Asylum protection can apply to anyone targeted because of their:
Race
Religion
Nationality
Political opinion
Membership in a particular social group
That last category covers a wide range of situations: domestic violence survivors, LGBTQ+ individuals facing danger in their home country, people targeted by gangs, and many others. Whether or not your situation “counts” is one of the most important questions an attorney can help you answer. Many people give up on an asylum claim because they don’t realize they qualify. That’s why speaking with a lawyer for an asylum case early, before filing anything, makes such a big difference.
There are two main pathways to asylum in the U.S., and which one applies to you depends on your current situation:
Affirmative Asylum: If you are not currently in removal proceedings, you can apply proactively by submitting Form I-589 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within one year of arriving in the United States. You’ll have an interview with an asylum officer who will evaluate your claim. If approved, you can stay in the U.S. permanently. If not, the case is typically referred to immigration court.
Defensive Asylum: If you are already in removal proceedings, meaning the government is trying to deport you, you can raise asylum as a defense before an immigration judge. This process is more adversarial, and the stakes are higher, because the government has a lawyer arguing against you. Having your own experienced attorney here is not just helpful: it’s essential.
Our firm handles both types of cases. We also handle defensive asylum cases on Long Island, including situations where people have been detained and need immediate legal help.
When you come to The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti as your lawyer for an asylum case, here’s what we actually do for you: in plain terms:
We Listen First: Every asylum case begins with your story. We take the time to understand what you’ve been through, what you’re afraid of, and what your life looks like right now. We don’t rush that conversation, because the details matter.
We Evaluate Your Claim Honestly: Not every person who has suffered has a legally qualifying asylum claim, and we’ll tell you that honestly so you don’t spend time and money pursuing the wrong path. If asylum isn’t the right fit, we’ll tell you what options might work better.
We Prepare a Strong Application: For affirmative asylum cases, a well-prepared I-589 application backed by solid supporting evidence: country condition reports, witness statements, and medical or police records: dramatically improves your chances. We build that case carefully and completely.
We Prepare You for Your Interview or Hearing: Whether you’re facing an asylum officer interview or an immigration court hearing, we make sure you know what to expect and how to present your experience clearly and credibly.
We Handle Appeals When Necessary: If an application is denied, the fight doesn’t have to be over. We handle court representation and appeals, including appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal courts.
We Explore All Available Protection: Asylum is not the only form of protection available. We also evaluate whether clients qualify for Withholding of Removal or Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection: both of which can apply even in cases where asylum itself is not granted.
An asylum case rarely exists in a bubble. Many of our clients have family members with their own immigration needs, or face other legal challenges alongside their asylum case. The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti handles the full range of immigration and related legal matters:
Family-Based Immigration: Helping spouses, children, and parents gain legal status in the U.S.
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status: Protecting minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned
Citizenship & Naturalization: For those who are eligible and ready to take the final step
TPS Renewals: Keeping Temporary Protected Status current for nationals of designated countries
Employment Authorization: Applying for work permits for clients whose cases are pending
Deportation Defense: Fighting removal proceedings in immigration court
Immigration Detention: Representing clients held in ICE custody and seeking release
Visa Applications: Family, humanitarian, and employment-based visas
Criminal Defense: Because criminal charges can affect your immigration case, we handle both
We look at your entire situation and make sure every piece of your case is handled properly.
Choosing the right attorney for an asylum case is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Here’s why so many Long Island immigrants have trusted us with theirs:
We’ve Handled Thousands of Immigration Cases: With over 30 years of combined legal experience and more than 2,000 clients helped, we’ve seen the full range of asylum situations: straightforward claims, complex country condition issues, cases with prior denials, and cases involving detention. We bring all of that experience to your case.
We Speak Your Language: We offer legal services in English and Spanish, with interpreters available in more than 10 languages. We believe that every person deserves to fully understand their own legal case, in the language they’re most comfortable in.
We’re Honest About Your Chances: We won’t take your money and tell you everything will be fine. We give you a real, honest assessment from the beginning, including the challenges, so you can make informed decisions about your future.
We’re Local to Long Island: With offices in both Hauppauge and Coram, we’re right here in the community. We know the local immigration courts, the judges, and the procedures specific to this area. That local knowledge matters when you’re building your case.
We’re Members of AILA: Our attorneys are proud members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, reflecting our ongoing commitment to staying at the top of our field.
Applying for asylum means trusting someone with the most painful and personal parts of your life. At The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti, we take that trust seriously. We work hard to make sure every client feels heard, understood, and fully represented: from the first meeting to the final decision.
If you’re looking for a lawyer for an asylum case on Long Island, call us today. We’re ready to listen.
📞 Hauppauge: +1-646-340-8120 📞 Coram: +1-631-320-7949 ✉️ CristeaTattiLaw@gmail.com 🌐 Contact us online
We gathered essential information to help you begin. If you have questions or need additional support, please contact us.
Yes. In most cases, you must file your asylum application within one year of arriving in the United States. There are limited exceptions: for example, if conditions in your home country changed significantly, or if you experienced extraordinary circumstances that prevented you from filing on time. If you’ve been here longer than a year and haven’t filed yet, talk to us immediately. There may still be options.
A denial at the asylum officer level typically results in your case being referred to immigration court, where you get another opportunity to present your case before a judge. If the immigration judge also denies the claim, you can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals, and in some cases, to a federal circuit court. Having experienced legal representation at every stage significantly improves your chances.
Yes. If you are the principal applicant, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 who are in the United States can be included as derivatives on your application. If they are not in the U.S., there are additional steps involved once your case is approved. We’ll walk you through what applies to your family’s situation.
You can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after your asylum application has been pending for 180 days. We can help you file for employment authorization at the right time so there’s no unnecessary delay.
This is a very real concern that many asylum seekers face. Your asylum application is confidential. U.S. law prohibits disclosure of your asylum application to your home country government. That said, it’s important to discuss these concerns openly with your attorney so we can address them appropriately in how your case is prepared and presented.
At The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti, we’re committed to providing trusted legal guidance with compassion, integrity, and expertise. Whether you’re seeking help with a family matter, immigration issue, or another legal concern, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Provide your details and legal concerns, and our team will review your case to offer the best possible guidance and support.
The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti offers immigration help & deportation defense in the tri-state area—see our full list of services.
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150 Motor Parkway, Suite 401, Hauppauge, NY 11788
3663 Route 112, Suite 2, Coram, NY 11727
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, and the content on this site may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific situation before making any legal decisions. Viewing this website or contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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