Asylum is a form of international protection given to foreigners who have fled their own country due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. It allows them to stay in the host country instead of being returned to a place where they fear persecution.

In the U.S., you can apply for asylum in two primary ways: through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing Form I-589, or, in certain situations, directly with the immigration court if you are in removal proceedings. Where you file your application depends on your current status at the time of filing. The process can vary significantly if you are already involved in removal proceedings or if there are other complicating factors. Given these complexities, it is highly advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to determine the most appropriate and strategic way to file your asylum application.

In the U.S., asylum seekers are generally not allowed to work immediately after submitting their asylum application. You can apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) if 150 days have passed since the filing of your complete asylum application, and no decision has been made on your case.

A refugee is someone who has been recognized as needing protection while outside their home country, often resettled in a third country through the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). An asylum seeker is someone seeking protection as a refugee in another country but has not yet been officially recognized as a refugee.

A refugee is someone who has been recognized as needing protection while outside their home country, often resettled in a third country through the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). An asylum seeker is someone seeking protection as a refugee in another country but has not yet been officially recognized as a refugee.

The duration of the asylum application process in the U.S. can vary significantly. For affirmative asylum applications filed with USCIS, the process can be lengthy, sometimes taking several years, with some applications pending since 2015. Conversely, applicants who recently entered through the southern border and are placed into removal proceedings tend to have their applications processed more quickly, due to their cases being a current priority for deportation.

In the U.S., once you are granted asylum, only your spouse and children who were under 21 years of age at the time of filing the asylum application may be eligible to join you through the follow-to-join process. Parents, brothers, and sisters cannot immigrate to the U.S. based on your grant of asylum. It’s crucial to accurately list eligible family members in your initial application to ensure they can join you through the proper legal channels after your asylum grant and their follow-to-join petition is approved.

If your asylum application is denied in the U.S., you have the right to appeal the decision within a specific timeframe. The appeals process and time frames vary. Consulting with an immigration lawyer is advisable to explore your options and prepare for an appeal.

Yes, numerous NGOs, legal aid organizations, and resources like the UNHCR are available to assist asylum seekers in the U.S. with legal advice, application support, and sometimes representation. Additionally, at Babila Law, LLC, we strive to assist clients who cannot afford our services on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent you from accessing the legal help you need.

Traveling back to your home country after being granted asylum or as a derivative of an asylum application can jeopardize your status in the U.S. It suggests to U.S. authorities that you no longer fear persecution, potentially leading to the revocation of your asylum or derivative asylum status. It’s critical to consult with an immigration lawyer before making any travel plans that could impact your status.

As an asylee, you are eligible to apply for a Green Card (permanent residency) after one year of physical presence in the United States following the grant of your asylum status. Subsequently, as a permanent resident, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of residency. These steps are crucial milestones in securing your stay and establishing your new life in the U.S., and we recommend consulting with an immigration attorney to navigate this process smoothly.

No, you do not require an attorney to apply for asylum. However, having an attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel like walking in the dark due to its complexity and the high stakes involved. An experienced immigration attorney can illuminate the pathway, helping you understand the process, avoid common pitfalls, and present your case in the best possible light. I was inspired to become an immigration attorney after experiencing firsthand how cumbersome the immigration process can be. My goal is to make the journey smoother for others, ensuring they have the support and guidance necessary to navigate this challenging process.