Asylum & Refugee Protection

Asylum & Refugee Protection

With over 28 years of immigration experience, the attorneys at Vernon & Associates P.C. have successfully assisted tens of thousands of individuals escaping persecution in securing asylum or refugee protection in the United States.

WHY HIRE VERNON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. FOR REFUGEE & ASYLUM PROTECTION?

If you are seeking protection in the U.S. as a victim of persecution in your home country, our asylum and refugee lawyers at Vernon & Associates will help you navigate the process. We will assist you with filing the extensive paperwork, preparing for interviews, petitioning for family members, and representing you in court if you apply for asylum to prevent deportation.

REFUGEE VS. ASYLEE

An asylee is someone who has fled persecution in their home country and requests asylum while at the border or already in the United States. Refugees and asylees must prove eligibility for protection under U.S. law to obtain status. Refugee and asylum status is granted to individuals who have suffered persecution or fear persecution based on:

● Race

● Religion

● Nationality

● Political opinion

● Membership in a particular social group

OBTAINING REFUGEE STATUS

To obtain refugee status, you must:

● Receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to be considered as a

refugee. (Referral criteria can be found on the USRAP Consultations and Worldwide

Processing Priorities page.)

● Complete your application, preferably with the help of an experienced immigration

lawyer.

● Attend an interview abroad conducted by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) representative, who will determine if you meet the refugee resettlement criteria.

If your refugee status is approved, you will receive:

● A medical exam

● A cultural orientation

● Assistance with travel to the U.S.

● A loan for your travel

Once in the U.S., you will be eligible for cash and medical assistance.

OBTAINING ASYLUM STATUS

Applying for asylum is one pathway for undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status in the U.S. There are two ways to obtain asylum in the U.S.: through an affirmative process or a defensive process. In the affirmative asylum process, you:

● Must apply at the border or be physically present in the U.S.

● Are not placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

● Submit Form I-589 to USCIS to apply for asylum.

● Attend a fingerprinting appointment at the nearest application support center (ASC).

● Attend an interview with a USCIS official.

In the defensive asylum process, you:

● Have been placed in removal proceedings.

● Request asylum as a defense against deportation from the U.S.

● Appear before an immigration judge with the Executive Office for Immigration Review

(EOIR) for a court-like hearing.

● Receive the immigration judge’s decision on your eligibility for asylum.

REFUGEE RIGHTS IN THE U.S.

The rights of refugees include:

● The right to remain in the U.S. indefinitely (or until conditions in their home country return to

normal).

● The right to get a work permit.

● The right to government support in the first months after arrival in the U.S.

● The right to bring close family members by filing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative

Petition.

● The right to apply for a Green Card (permanent resident status) after one year in the U.S.

● The right to apply for U.S. citizenship five years after obtaining a Green Card.

ASYLEES’ RIGHTS IN THE U.S.

The rights of asylees include:

● The right to remain in the U.S. indefinitely (or until conditions in their home country return to

normal).

● The right to apply for a work permit by filing Form I-765 once asylum is approved.

● The right to petition for family members to join them by filing Form I-730.

● The right to apply for a Green Card (permanent resident status) one year after receiving

asylum status.

● The right to apply for U.S. citizenship five years after obtaining a Green Card.

● The right to access social services and assistance.

Speak With an Immigration Lawyer