Presideo

The Center for Faith-Based Asylum at World Relief

Everyone deserves the right to practice their faith freely.

Sadly, millions worldwide face religious persecution, forcing many to flee their home countries in search of safety. Asylum is a legal protection the U.S. extends to individuals fleeing persecution. Many asylum seekers reach the U.S. pursuing religious freedom but cannot navigate the complex legal system nor afford legal assistance to file an asylum application.

Presideo is here to step into the gap.

World Relief (WR) is a global Christian humanitarian organization that boldly engages the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. WR has a track record of providing immigration legal assistance to vulnerable immigrants and refugees, and Presideo is its new legal center specializing in meeting the unique and complex legal needs of religious asylum seekers.

We are committed to:

Offer direct representation

We provide full legal representation to especially vulnerable asylum seekers

Recruiting and training volunteer attorneys to provide pro bono support

We’re building a network of attorneys who want to protect asylum seekers’ religious freedom, one client at a time

Empowering churches to serve asylum seekers

We engage church leaders and members to refer potential clients and also serve as interpreters and translators

Help asylum seekers provide for themselves

We assist clients with the timely filing of work authorization applications so they can work legally and support themselves while navigating the asylum application process

Get Started with Presideo today:

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should the U.S. grant asylum to people fleeing persecution?

The U.S. is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which obligate it to protect refugees who meet the criteria for asylum. These international agreements are designed to ensure that individuals are not returned to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.

Granting asylum to individuals fleeing persecution is not only a legal and moral obligation but also a practice that benefits American society economically, culturally, and politically. It aligns with the U.S.'s historical values and international commitments, reinforcing its role as a global leader in human rights and humanitarian protection.

What difference does a grant of asylum make for an asylum seeker?

Approval of an asylum case transforms the life of an asylum seeker, providing legal protection, economic opportunities, access to services, and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. It offers a chance for family reunification, psychological relief, and community integration. Ultimately, it allows asylum seekers to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity, contributing positively to their new communities and the broader society.

Why is legal assistance or representation crucial in this process?

Legal assistance and representation in the affirmative asylum process is crucial for ensuring that applicants have the best possible chance of success. Attorneys provide essential legal knowledge, procedural guidance, and emotional support, all of which contribute to higher approval rates and a more manageable experience for asylum seekers.

Studies have shown that asylum seekers with legal representation are significantly more likely to be granted asylum compared to those without representation. For example, a study by the American Immigration Council found that represented asylum seekers were nearly five times more likely to win their cases than those without representation.

Why should a potential donor support World Relief’s work through Presideo?

Supporting World Relief's new program focusing on providing legal services to faith-based asylum seekers is a powerful way for donors to make a significant humanitarian impact. With a proven track record, specialized expertise, and a commitment to upholding human rights, World Relief is well-positioned to effectively assist some of the most vulnerable individuals seeking asylum. Donors can be confident that their contributions will be used efficiently to protect and empower those fleeing religious persecution, ultimately enriching communities and reinforcing global commitments to justice and freedom.