Asylum
Lutheran Social Services, Worcester Office, is home to the Political Asylum Legal Assistance Project (PALAP). The mission of the project is to provide legal representation and stability to asylum seekers as well as survivors of torture, rape, anti-gay hate crimes, gender-based persecution, and human trafficking. Lutheran Social Services assists individuals to remain in the United States permanently, reunite with their families, and start a new life.
What is asylum?
A non-United States citizen can seek political asylum in the United States if they have a fear of being persecuted in their country of origin because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. For example, some individuals flee because their government has targeted them for being in the political opposition. Others flee because their particular tribe is subject to ethnic cleansing. Some women flee because they do not want to be forced into marriage, female circumcision, or wearing a hijab.
If granted political asylum, individuals have the right to remain in the United States and the right to family reunification (with spouse and children). Eventually, they have the right to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Information about Asylum Seekers:
Asylum seekers are one of the most vulnerable group of immigrants in America. Forced to flee their homeland, most arrive in the United States without any protected legal status. When they arrive, they cannot legally work in the United States. Many arrive traumatized, suffering from acute depression and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Asylum seekers are not entitled to a free attorney from the government if they cannot afford one. Often, if immigrants are low-income, they are left to navigate a foreign legal system without a lawyer. This has a significant effect on the outcome of their case. Studies have shown that such individuals are much less likely to succeed in their legal cases without legal representation. Programs like PALAP seek to level the playing field by providing legal support to these individuals.
Eligibility:
Eligibility for the services and the level of services provided is decided on case-by-case bases. Priority is given to victims of torture and to clients without any means of support. Clients in good financial standing are referred to private bar for services.
To schedule an appointment for an asylum screening, please call (781) 571-9366.
New Projects
PALAP recently started the LGBT Human Rights Legal Protection Project to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals who fear persecution on account of their sexual orientation. For more information about this project, please click here.
Eligibility for the services and the level of services provided is decided on case-by-case bases. Priority is given to victims of torture and to clients without any means of support. Clients in good financial standing are referred to private bar for services.
To schedule an appointment for an asylum screening, please call (781) 571-9366. |