Seeking Political Asylum or Refugee Status in the U.S.
Non-United States citizens who have a well founded fear of persecution in their home countries may seek asylum or refugee status in the United States. Asylum and refugee status are two immigration options that may allow individuals to stay in the U.S. to avoid religious, political, gender, racial or membership in a specific group persecution.
Contact Turlik & Budanitsky, P.C., for more information about these immigration options. Call 908-998-4480 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Seeking Asylum in the U.S.: The Basics
Asylum is an immigration option for individuals who are currently in the U.S. and do not wish to return to their home countries because of a reasonable fear of persecution based on:
- Race or ethnic group
- Religion
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group or class (can include gender, female genital mutilation and forced sterilization)
- Political opinion
Individuals who wish to apply for asylum must do so within one year of arriving in the United States. However, limited exceptions may be available. People who have entered the United States illegally are still eligible to apply for asylum.
Entering the U.S. as a Refugee
Refugee status is sought by people living outside of their home countries who wish to enter the U.S. Just as with asylum, refugee seekers fear returning to their countries of origin because of a well founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion. The number of refugees admitted to the U.S. each year is limited.
In order to be granted asylum or refugee status, applicants must be able to demonstrate that their fear of persecution is well founded, and meet certain other requirements of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. The attorneys of Turlik & Budanitsky, P.C., can explain the eligibility requirements for asylum and refugee status.
Legal Permanent Residency Based Upon Asylum or Refugee Status
Those who have been granted asylum or refugee status are eligible to adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) after a year of continuous presence in the U.S., although the numbers of those granted the adjustment of status is limited.
For more information about asylum and refugee status, please contact a lawyer at Turlik & Budanitsky, P.C. by e-mail. Call 908-998-4480 to schedule a consultation. Consultations are offered at no charge.
