If you’re an undocumented immigrant seeking asylum in the United States and dream of obtaining a green card and building a better life for yourself and your family, you need to know the process.
Asylum grants protection to people fleeing their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution that’s based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. If you’ve experienced or fear that you’ll come to harm in your home country, you may qualify for asylum in the United States.
How to Apply for Asylum
To apply for asylum, you must be physically present in the United States or at a port of entry. You can apply for asylum regardless of immigration status, even if you entered the country without proper documentation. However, it is essential to note that you must apply within one year of your last arrival in the United States, with some exceptions.
When you apply for asylum, you must provide evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include personal testimony, witness statements, medical records, police reports, and country condition reports. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be. You need to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence and who will present your case effectively.
However, the asylum process can be lengthy and complex. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a significant backlog of asylum cases, and the process can take several years to complete. During this time, it is essential to maintain a valid immigration status and avoid any criminal activity that could jeopardize your case.
How Do I Get a Green Card?
If your asylum application is approved, you’ll receive legal status in the United States and can apply for a work permit. After one year of being granted asylum, you can apply for a green card, which grants permanent resident status. Obtaining a green card through asylum marks a significant step toward establishing a stable future in the United States.
In addition to asylum, there are other paths to obtaining a green card as an undocumented immigrant. For example, if you have been in the United States for a certain period and meet specific requirements, you may be eligible for Cancellation of Removal. This form of relief allows you to obtain a green card if you can demonstrate that your removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Another option involves applying for a U visa if you were the victim of a crime in the United States and have cooperated with law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting it. If your U visa application gets approved, you may qualify to apply for a green card after three years.
How a Skilled Lawyer Can Help
It is essential to have an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the complex asylum and green card process and help you explore your options. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your case, prepare you for interviews with immigration officials, and advocate on your behalf in court.
At Rahimi Law Firm, P.C., we understand the challenges undocumented immigrants face and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. Our team of seasoned immigration attorneys knows the asylum process in detail and can confidently tackle the complex immigration system on your behalf. We will work tirelessly to help you obtain the legal status you deserve and build a better future for yourself and your family.
If you are an undocumented immigrant seeking asylum or a green card, contact Rahimi Law Firm, P.C. today. Our team can help you every step of the way and provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. With our help, you can take the first step toward building a brighter future.