Asylum Attorney · Bay Area
Seeking Asylum?
We Fight to
Protect You.
Strategic and compassionate asylum representation for individuals and families across San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose.
AILA Member Firm
Affirmative & Defensive Asylum
Serving All of Bay Area
Bilingual Support
START YOUR CONSULTATION
Legal Consultation
Request
Tell us about your situation and we’ll outline your options.
Confidential & protected by attorney-client privilege
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Every path to safety,
handled with precision
From affirmative asylum to removal defense — we bring legal clarity and strategic guidance to the most complex asylum cases.
01
Affirmative Asylum
Filed with USCIS for those not in removal proceedings. You have one year from arrival to apply.
02
Defensive Asylum
Filed in immigration court as a defense against deportation or removal.
03
Withholding of Removal
Alternative protection when asylum is unavailable — prevents return to a dangerous country.
04
Convention Against Torture
Protection for those who would face torture if returned to their home country.
05
Removal & Deportation Defense
Aggressive representation in immigration court to fight removal orders.
06
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Strategic waiver filings to overcome bars to asylum or entry into the U.S.
YOUR ATTORNEY
Dylan Hackett
Lead Attorney & Managing Partner
Dylan Hackett is the managing partner of Golden Gate Immigration Law. As a former Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, he brings prosecutorial experience and strategic precision to every immigration case. His international background — including leading a business in Nicaragua — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges immigrants and families face navigating the U.S. legal system. Our team provides full bilingual support so every client is heard and understood.
California Bar
Former Deputy D.A. · San Mateo County
USCIS & Immigration Court
Managing Partner
Se habla Español
(415) 622-8792
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, California
ASYLUM & HUMANITARIAN PROTECTION
Two paths to
asylum protection
If you are fleeing persecution, violence, or threats in your home country, you may qualify for asylum in the United States. The path you take depends on whether you are already in removal proceedings or applying proactively. Attorney Dylan Hackett guides you through both.
01
Affirmative Asylum
For individuals not in removal proceedings. You apply proactively with USCIS before an asylum officer — not a judge.
- File Form I-589 within one year of arriving in the U.S.
- Interview with USCIS Asylum Office in San Francisco
- If denied, case is referred to immigration court for defensive asylum
02
Defensive Asylum
For individuals already in removal proceedings in immigration court. Asylum is raised as a defense against deportation.
- Presented before a judge at San Francisco Immigration Court
- Includes withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture (CAT) claims
- Stronger standard of proof — thorough preparation is critical
Common Questions
Who qualifies for asylum in the United States?
To qualify for asylum, you must demonstrate that you have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. You must generally apply within one year of arriving in the U.S., with limited exceptions. For official asylum eligibility information, visit USCIS.gov
What is the one-year filing deadline for asylum?
You must file your asylum application within one year of your last arrival in the United States. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from asylum, though there are narrow exceptions for changed or extraordinary circumstances. If you are approaching one year, contact an attorney immediately. If you are already in removal proceedings, learn about our deportation defense representation.
Can I apply for asylum if I entered without authorization?
Yes. Entering the U.S. without authorization does not automatically disqualify you from asylum. However, the manner of entry can affect your case and may be raised in proceedings. It is essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible to understand your options and protect your rights.
How long does the asylum process take in San Francisco?
Affirmative cases with the USCIS Asylum Office can take 6 months to several years. Defensive cases in San Francisco Immigration Court often take 2–4 years due to significant backlogs. An attorney can help you understand realistic timelines and navigate the process as efficiently as possible.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
Evaluate Your Claim
We assess your asylum claim, identify the strongest legal grounds, and determine whether affirmative or defensive asylum is the right path for your situation.
02
Prepare Your Application
We prepare Form I-589 with complete supporting documentation — country conditions evidence, personal declarations, and corroborating materials — to build the strongest possible case.
03
Interview or Court Preparation
Whether you face a USCIS asylum interview or an individual merits hearing in San Francisco Immigration Court, we prepare you thoroughly for every question and scenario.
04
Decision & Next Steps
If approved, we guide you through applying for a work permit and eventually a green card. If denied, we advise on appeal options including the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
DON’T WAIT — IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES FAST
Your safety deserves
a real legal strategy
Asylum law is complex and time-sensitive. The sooner you seek legal counsel, the more options you have.
Or call directly: (415) 622-8792 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Hablamos Español