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A Lawyer Explains: The U.S. Refugee and Asylum Process

Legal Disclosure: The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Reading the content on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Crescent Law, PLLC. Please be aware that every case is unique, and the information on this website may not apply to your situation. Thank you for visiting our website, and please feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation so we can review your case.

Introduction: 

Welcome back to my blog series, "A Lawyer Explains," where I'll explain the different Immigration services we help our clients navigate. In this blog, we'll explore the Refugee status and the process to help you make an informed decision.  

For over a year, the Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila, WA, has allowed a significant number of refugees to sleep in and outside of their facilities. As word spread, the number of people seeking shelter has grown. The Mayor of Tukwila declared a state of emergency to help these migrants; however, there currently is no available financial program that specifically supports this demographic to navigate the immigration process.    

Refugees

Under United States law, refugees are individuals who can demonstrate that they were persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group or that are of special humanitarian concern to the United States.  

Eligibility Checkpoint: The Refugee Process

An individual must receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for consideration as a refugee. If you receive a referral, you will be able to:

●     Come to the United States,

●     Bring your family to the United States,

●     Receive authorization to work in the United States,

●     Apply for a permanent residency (green card).

But what if you do not receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for consideration as a refugee and have entered the United States? 

Contact Crescent Law Immigration so that we can assess your case and determine your eligibility. 

Your Step-by-Step Guide Through the Refugee Process

We will guide you through a carefully planned process to facilitate the acquisition of the necessary status to obtain resettlement in the United States.

Step 1: The attorney initiates the process by conducting a detailed intake to assess your situation. 

Step 2:  After determining your specific circumstances, the attorney will submit an I-589 application for asylum.

Step 3: If USCIS grants the asylum application, the attorney will file the I-765 application for employment authorization that will permit you to obtain an employment authorization document and social security card that will enable you to work while your asylum case is adjudicated.   

Step 4: If your asylum case is granted, the attorney can proceed with filing the I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, providing you with a green card. 

Securing opens the beginning of an exciting new chapter of opportunities for a child, including:

Pathway to Lawful Status

Upon the approval of their asylum case, the individual will have a clear path to obtaining lawful status in the United States.

Pathway to Citizenship 

Obtaining a green card will pave the path to U.S. citizenship. After fulfilling the necessary 5-year residency requirement, the individual may apply for citizenship.

Professional Insights for a Seamless Transition

To secure the success of your immigration journey, I'd like to share the following recommendations to help facilitate the asylum qualifications:

Professional Consultation

Engaging the expertise of an immigration attorney like myself can be invaluable in navigating the complexities and ensuring all documentation is comprehensive and accurate. We will help you craft a tailored plan for every step of the process, from the preparation of forms and the submission of documents to the interview.  

Conclusion

Asylum can be vital to unlocking a world of exceptional opportunities and a path to U.S. citizenship for those fleeing their countries. As your trusted immigration attorney, Crescent Law in Tukwila is committed to guiding you every step of the way on this exciting journey.