As someone living in Kentucky who’s seeking asylum in the United States, there are unfortunately a number of hoops you’ll likely need to jump through to achieve that status. Applying for asylum can be a tricky thing to navigate. Here’s what you may need to know about the affirmative asylum process.
As stated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services, this process of seeking asylum is for those who are going to America with the express intent of immediately applying for asylum, rather than fighting for it while in the process of deportation. Arriving within the U.S. is your first step, as you need to be at a port of entrance or within the country already in order to get the process started.
Once you’re in the country, you may want to check your eligibility for obtaining asylum status. You’ll need to fill out and file Form I-589, which is the “Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal”. After this point, you’ll also need to get a fingerprint card. Background checks and security checks may be performed at this point. At the final step in the process, you’ll have an interview scheduled. It will be up to the asylum officer to determine your eligibility for asylum status, and you will shortly be informed of their decision.
It’s possible for the officer’s decision to be overturned by a supervisory officer, who will sit through the proceedings as well to ensure that the legal parameters are met. Though this process is lengthy and can seem complex, it’s the best way to ensure that you’re legally allowed to remain within the country.