It is difficult to apply for asylum at a port entry which is your only choice if you do not have a visa.Individual assessment for Asylum
For persons who do not come into the country as part of a bigger group individual asylum interviews are conducted to establish whether the person has sufficient reasons for seeking asylum.
First, you tell the inspections officer at the port of entry that you fear returning to your country and that you wish to apply for asylum. You will be given a fear screening in which the officer will determine if you seem to meet the criteria. If he's not convince you will be removed immediately. If he thinks you are lying, you can be barred from entry for 5 years.
If you convinced the officer of your fear, then you will be detained for a few days or several weeks, until you are given a "creditable fear interview" with a trained asylum officer. If you pass, which most people don't, you will be able to complete your application for asylum and present your case to an asylum judge which can take days or weeks. If you fail the creditable fear interview, you can request a review by an immigration judge, although you will not be informed of your right. You must tell the interviewer when you are told you failed that you want a review by an immigration judge.
At your hearing, the immigration judge will hear your case for asylum and either deport you or grant you asylum pending a complete background check which allows you to enter the refugee program. Only about 40% are accepted.
The whole process including multiple interviews and background checks takes about 4 to 6 months. During the entire process, the government follows a strict set of protocols and rules. During the process you will not be told of your rights to appeal, nor that you can hire a lawyer or how to do so. Unless the people that interview you understand your language, you must secure an interpreter. One will not be provided.
In no way does the government help the asylum seeker. The person must understand the process, their rights, and what they need to do to be successful. This is why getting a visa of some sort, entering the US and hiring an immigration lawyer is the best route to being granted asylum.
Can You Request Asylum At U.S. Border or Entry Point? - AllLaw.com
Requesting Asylum at U.S. Border? What to Expect at Credible Fear Interview
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