Many forms of immigration relate to employment or family relationships. However, there are also humanitarian immigration programs in the United States. Both asylum and refugee status protect people who are vulnerable to indignities and persecution in their countries of origin.
Asylum protects people who are already physically present in the United States from their forced return to a country where they might face persecution. Those from countries currently experiencing civil unrest or nations where certain groups of people have fewer legal rights and protections than others might potentially qualify for asylum once they legally enter the United States. However, they must act quickly, or they may lose the opportunity to apply for asylum.
How long do immigrants have to apply?
Generally speaking, the window to apply for asylum is open for 12 months after a foreign national legally enters the United States. Many people apply for asylum immediately after entering the country. However, they can also return to a port of entry after they have established themselves and apply for asylum within their first year residing in the United States.
The asylum process often takes multiple years to complete, but applicants generally have protection from summary removal until after the review of their case. Aspiring asylees generally need documentation showing that persecution is a credible concern in their country of origin and that they belong to a group experiencing systemic mistreatment.
The support of an immigration attorney is critical for those applying for asylum. Scheduling a consultation with a lawyer and having support when petitioning for asylum can increase an immigrant’s chances of staying in the United States to avoid persecution.
