Asylum and Refugee Status

Immigration is a process where a person becomes a permanent resident of a country where he/she doesn’t possess citizenship. A common example of this is when a person originally from Canada relocates to the United States permanently.

Some categories where an individual can become a resident in the United States permanently include: 

• Through a family member
• Through an employer
• Through registry
• Through asylum or refugee status
• Being victims of abuse
• Being victims of crimes like human trafficking

However, receiving asylum or refugee status in the US has its own specific sets of requirements and qualifications.  It is important to discuss with an asylum and refugee status attorney Huntsville, AL what they are and what you need to do to. 

But before applying for asylum or refugee status in Huntsville, it’s important to know what the difference between the two is.

What is Asylum?

Thousands of people come to the United States every year seeking protection from their own home countries due to the fear or experience of being persecuted for their race, religion, and political beliefs. Those determined to be eligible for asylum will then be allowed to remain in the US.

Asylum is a type of protection given by the United States government which allows individuals to remain in the country as long as:

• They meet the definition of being a refugee
• They are already in the United States
• They seek admission at a port of entry

In addition, these individuals should not have been barred from being granted or applying for asylum status and could eventually elevate their status from asylum to lawful permanent resident (LPR).

Talk to an asylum and refugee status attorney Huntsville, AL and see if you are qualified to receive protection within the United States.

What is a Refugee?

Due to multiple reasons like war poverty, millions of people all over the world are forced to flee their respective home countries and escape to the United States to save themselves from being tortured or killed. This is why the United States government works with several organizations in helping to provide food, homes, and health care to those displaced individuals called refugees. 

By definition, a refugee is an individual who meets the following qualifications:

• Someone located outside of the United States
• Someone who is of special humanitarian concern to the US
• Someone who demonstrates to be persecuted due to their religion, race, nationality, or being a member of a social group
• Someone who has yet to firmly resettle in another country and is admissible to the US

In short, refugees are generally individuals outside of their country who cannot or do not want to come back home due to the threats they may face when doing so. Also, a person cannot be considered a refugee if he/she ordered, assisted, or was involved in persecuting or discriminating against another person.

Speak with an asylum and refugee status attorney Huntsville, AL, if you or someone you know needs assistance in becoming a refugee in the United States.

How do I become an asylee or refugee?

Once you’ve determined your eligibility to obtain asylum or refugee status in the United States, you must now go through the difficult process of actually processing your application. It is best to work with an asylum and refugee status attorney Huntsville, AL to have someone answer difficult questions and make sure every step is done correctly.