Asylum for LGBT Activist from Nigeria

I.S. Law Firm recently secured a grant of asylum through asylum office for a member of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community who was persecuted in his native Nigeria because of his sexual orientation and pro-LGBT activism.

Attorney Ismail Shahtakhtinski demonstrated to the satisfaction of the asylum officer that our client was arrested, extorted, physically harmed and threatened in Nigeria because of his sexual orientation and his involvement with an organization that advocated for equal rights for LGBT – lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender – persons.

We also provided ample evidence showing that gay people and gay rights activists are routinely persecuted in Nigeria as a matter of law. In January 2014, President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan has signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill into Law, which further criminalized homosexuality. By presenting objective country conditions evidence in addition to proof of our client’s personal experience, we were able to obtain approval of asylum status for our client.

Although the results of each specific asylum case may differ based on asylum office and particular interviewing officer, it is important for all asylum applicants to submit all necessary documents and carefully prepare for their asylum interviews. A good attorney plays a vitally important role in the asylum process.

It is crucial to have an attorney prepare your document package when you file your papers with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), known as affirmative asylum application. Your chance of the success is considerably higher if you retain a competent and experienced asylum lawyer.

Our principal attorney Ismail Shahtakhtinski individually meets with every client and thoroughly prepares them for their interviews and hearings. We collect country condition reports and submit detailed memorandums of law in support of every asylum petition we handle. At the asylum interview or hearing, Mr. Shahtakhtinski makes sure that our client’s case is adequately presented and that there are no misunderstandings or confusions. We pay individual attention to every client, make every case personal to us, and put all of our efforts to not just do our job, but to win every case.

At I.S. Law Firm, we also dedicate time to help those in need of legal assistance who cannot afford to pay high attorney’s fees. We have a pro bono program, where indigent people can apply by filing an application with us. Such applicants may receive completely free representation or legal services at a substantially reduced rate.

Lawyers at I.S. Law Firm have helped many foreign nationals obtain asylum status, both through asylum offices and immigration courts. To learn more about asylum process, visit: /immigration-law/asylum/. You can also read more about our successful asylum cases:

PLEASE NOTE THAT CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. CASE RESULTS DESCRIBED BELOW DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE UNDERTAKEN BY I.S. LAW FIRM, PLLC.
If you think you may qualify for asylum, please contact us by phone at +1-703-527-1779 or via e-mail: [email protected].