Asylum/Refugee Green Card

An asylum or refugee green card is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. This document allows the individual to live and work legally in the United States without fear of deportation. It also serves as proof of the individual‘s legal status.

In order to apply for an asylum or refugee green card, an individual must first submit an application to the USCIS. This application must include biographic information, proof of identity, evidence of the individual‘s persecution or fear of persecution, and any other relevant information. We simplify and streamline the process for you.

Our simple questionnaire collects all the information to fill out the complex application in plain language that is easily understood, it can even be filled out in your native language. LAWCADDY will use your answers to formulate accurate and appropriate responses to the questions on the online application. A licensed US Immigration Attorney will review the application and suggest improvements, point out errors or omissions, and recommend the ideal documents to include with your application. The applicant then completes the online application using our detailed instructions, and digitally signs it. Then you can schedule an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. After submitting the application, the individual must also attend an interview with an immigration officer. If approved, the individual will receive their asylum or refugee green card within a few months.

The primary difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker is that a refugee has already been granted asylum by the US government while living outside the US and is allowed to enter and remain in the country indefinitely. An asylum seeker is someone who has not yet been granted asylum and is still in the process of applying for it either at a Point of Entry or while already in the United States by other means.

$799.00

*Government Fees are NOT Included in LAWCADDY Price

Refugee Status and Asylum Seekers

Refugees

Refugee status is a form of protection that may be granted to people who meet the definition of refugee and who are of special humanitarian concern to the United States. Refugees are generally people outside of their country who are unable or unwilling to return home because they fear serious harm. For a legal definition of refugee, see section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Refugees are authorized to work legally in the United States immediately upon arrival and can apply for a Green Card or Adjustment of Status after one (1) year. After four (4) years a Refugee can seek Naturalization (citizenship).

Asylum

Asylum status is a form of protection available to people who:

Meet the definition of refugee, AND
Are already in the United States, OR
Are seeking admission at a port of entry

You may proactively apply for asylum in the United States regardless of your country of origin or your current immigration status.

Asylum doesn’t grant the applicant permission to work in the United States. Asylum applicants are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document 150 days after submitting their application for Asylum and that EAD can be granted after another 30 days. This timeline is collectively referred to as the 180-day Asylum AED clock and there are specific circumstances where time may not count toward the AED clock.

Talk to a LAWCADDY Attorney On-Call to review your eligibility for Refugee or Asylee Status in the United States and when you might be eligible to apply for an AED to work legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Asylum if I am already in Removal Proceedings?

Yes, you can apply for asylum in the United States while you are in removal proceedings. However, you must file your application with the USCIS before the final order of removal is issued. If your application is approved, you will be allowed to remain in the United States and will be given a green card.

Can my dependents apply for asylum if my application has been approved?

Yes, your dependents may be eligible to apply for asylum if your application has been approved. You must submit a separate application for each dependent, and it must include evidence of the relation between you and the dependent.

What types of proof show that I am unable to safely return to my home country and should qualify for asylum in the US?

In order to qualify for asylum in the United States, you must demonstrate that you are unable to safely return to your home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Examples of proof that may help demonstrate this include evidence of past persecution, evidence of current danger in your home country, and the testimony of witnesses or experts.

Is Refugee or Asylum a path to citizenship?

Yes, refugee or asylum status is a path to citizenship. After one year of being in the United States as a refugee or asylee, you may apply for a green card, which will allow you to live and work in the United States permanently. After five years of being a green card holder, you may apply for naturalization and become a US citizen.