Asylum Assistance for US Military Personnel & Family Members

When you or your loved ones have served our country or currently serve, your bravery earns respect. Yet navigating asylum after military service or for family members can be complex. At Thompson Law Advocates, we assess each case carefully and work with you personally. We believe that those who have put their lives at risk on behalf of our nation deserve compassionate, thoughtful guidance when seeking asylum.

Understanding Asylum in the Military Context

Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. It can be based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. For military personnel, reasons may include political beliefs held while in uniform, efforts made to combat corruption, refusal to participate in unlawful operations, or being targeted upon return home due to duties performed on behalf of the United States.

Family members may also have separate or derivative eligibility. There could be cases where spouses or children face threats tied to the service member. Perhaps a child is targeted for their parent’s military status, or a spouse is threatened for related reasons. These are serious scenarios and we approach each one with diligence and empathy.

Why Timely, Personalized Guidance Matters

Asylum claims have strict filing deadlines. Generally, applications must be submitted within one year of arrival in the United States. Waivers exist, but relying on them without strong justification can put your case at risk. That is where individual attention can make a real difference.

We begin with a one-on-one meeting. During this session, we listen closely. We ask questions about your experiences during service, any threats or persecution, and how these affected your family. We gather supporting evidence. It might be official military documents, medical records, witness affidavits, or country condition reports. All of this helps build a compelling narrative for asylum officers or immigration judges.

Identifying the Strongest Basis for Asylum

Each case has its own story. Some service members face persecution due to refusing to follow orders that conflict with international law. Others are targeted for minority beliefs expressed during their duty. Family members may encounter reprisals, harassment, or violence. Our work is to identify the strongest legal angle and frame your experience clearly.

We discuss the possibility of filing as a principal applicant for both you and any family members. In certain scenarios, you might file separately if each person has their own grounds or timeline. We weigh these options and discuss the possible outcomes. Our focus is on the big picture; what you want, what’s realistic, and how to reach it.

Step-by-Step Guidance Through an Asylum Case

Every asylum case involves multiple steps. First, crafting a written statement. Your personal story becomes the heart of the application. We work together to ensure it is detailed and accurate. We guide you on tone, chronology, emotional content, and legal relevance.

Next comes document collection. Sometimes gathering evidence requires creativity. Obtaining a letter from a trusted military colleague, or a medical note describing an injury suffered due to persecution, can help establish credibility. We support you in these efforts and provide direction on organizing everything properly.

Once prepared, your Form I‑589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal) is carefully completed and reviewed. We double check every entry for accuracy. We also prepare you for the interview before an asylum officer, or for a hearing before an immigration judge if the case is in removal proceedings.

Preparing for Interviews and Court Hearings

Interviews and court appearances can be intimidating. We spend time helping you prepare. We conduct mock interviews that mirror what might happen in a real setting. We ask challenging questions so you can hear yourself explain key events clearly and calmly.

In court, we introduce evidence, examine witnesses if necessary, and present legal arguments on why asylum should be granted. We craft persuasive narratives that emphasize your service, your integrity, and the danger you or your family face.

Beyond Asylum: Related Protections and Relief

In some situations asylum is not the right fit. For example, an applicant might be barred by a criminal conviction or missed the filing deadline. In those cases, we explore alternatives such as withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), or other remedies.

Withholding of removal is guaranteed protection from returning to a particular country. The threshold is high, but it can be the right choice. CAT relief requires us to show torture is more likely than not upon return.

For family members who depend on a service member’s status, derivative asylum may be an option. Or they may qualify independently, if persecuted for another reason. It is critical to analyze each person’s basis carefully. No single approach fits all. We design a case strategy to maximize your chances of lawful status.

USCIS, the Immigration Courts, and Beyond

Our office is experienced in representing clients before asylum officers at USCIS and judges in Immigration Court. We know the procedures, forms, and schedules. We maintain case calendars. We ensure filings are on time. We handle motions, rescheduling, additional evidence requests, and changes in country conditions if things deteriorate in your homeland.

We also liaise with relevant organizations. For example, medical or psychological experts may provide reports. We coordinate these professionals to strengthen your case, whether for asylum or CAT claims.

What to Expect After Filing

After the Form I‑589 is submitted, USCIS will schedule an asylum interview. If you are in removal proceedings, we will prepare for an individual hearing. Either way, expect to hear from our firm regularly. We will alert you to updates. We will help if you get a document request. We will prepare you for tribunal questions.

If you receive a positive decision, we will guide you on next steps, including applying for work authorization and permanent residence. If your case is denied, we will evaluate whether an appeal is appropriate or if we should pursue other avenues. We are with you through it all.

How Thompson Law Advocates Assists You

1. Strategic Legal Planning – From day one, we work with you to outline a path forward. If military service plays a role, we identify how it intersects with asylum law. If a family member has independent grounds, we treat that separately but cohesively.
   
2. Full Preparation of Written Materials – We help draft a clear, personal statement, gather supporting documentation, and prepare legal argument. We pay attention to every detail, no matter how small.
   
3. Interview and Hearing Readiness – Mock interviews, coaching, stress training. We want you to feel ready and confident.
   
4. Proactive Case Management – Deadlines are managed. Timelines are monitored. Everyone on our team knows where your case is at each stage.
   
5. Continued Support – Whether we are applying for asylum, pursuing withholding of removal, or defending in court, you can count on us to be responsive and supportive.

Why A Dedicated Immigration Approach Matters

Asylum law is highly discretionary. Officers and judges make decisions based on credibility, detail, and relevance. In your case, military service and its aftermath may have created unique vulnerabilities. We treat those with sensitivity and depth. We analyze every facet of your service record. We explore every possible angle where your life or liberty could be at risk.

You might ask, why choose Thompson Law Advocates for this work? Peter Thompson leads our efforts. With more than 25 years of trial experience in immigration and federal criminal defense, he brings a depth of courtroom knowledge that few firms can match. That background benefits you not just in filings, but if things escalate to hearing level. He has successfully guided service members and their families through similar complex cases, always focused on the humanity behind the legal issues.

Serving Those Who Serve and Their Loved Ones

We believe that those who protect our nation and the ones who stand beside them deserve thoughtful advocacy in asylum matters. At Thompson Law Advocates, we treat your service and your family’s well‑being with care and attention.

Our firm is based in Philadelphia, but we represent clients nationwide from California, Texas, Florida, New York to Washington State and beyond. You do not have to visit our office in person. We accommodate video or phone consultations to ensure access no matter where you are stationed or live.

Next Steps 

To begin your asylum case, contact Thompson Law Advocates today. Our team will schedule a consultation and guide you through intake. If you have concerns about deadlines, threats, military records, or how to prepare, we will explain everything and help you gather necessary items.

Military service is honorable. Seeking protection for you or your family is important and valid. We treat each case with the seriousness it deserves. Every person has a story. At Thompson Law Advocates, your story matters. We will help you tell it, with care, accuracy, and conviction.