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

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Introduction

Welcome back to my blog series, "A Lawyer Explains." I am Matty Luna, your trusted immigration attorney at Crescent Law in Tukwila. In this blog, we will explore U.S. Refugee status and the process involved. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision.

For over a year, the Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila has provided shelter to many refugees. As word spread, more people came seeking help. The Mayor of Tukwila declared a state of emergency to support these migrants. However, there is no financial help available for them during the immigration process.

Understanding Refugees

Under United States law, refugees are individuals who have been persecuted or fear persecution. This can be due to race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. They may also be of special concern to the United States.

Requirement Checkpoint: The Refugee Process

To be considered a U.S. Refugee, you must receive a referral to the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). If you receive a referral, you can:

  • Come to the United States.
  • Bring your family with you.
  • Receive permission to work in the United States.
  • Apply for permanent residency (green card).

But what if you did not receive a referral and have already entered the United States?

At Crescent Law, we can assess your case and determine if you qualify for US Asylum.

Your Step-by-Step Guide Through the Refugee Process

We follow a clear process to help you gain the status you need.

Step 1: Initial Assessment for US Refugee Admissions Program

We start by assessing your situation. Attorney Matty Luna takes the time to carefully learn about your situation.

Step 2: Submitting the Asylum Application

Based on your situation, we submit an I-589 application for US Asylum. This application is crucial for those who fear returning to their home country.

Step 3: Employment Permission

If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts your asylum application, we file the I-765 application. This allows you to get an employment permission document and a social security card. You can work while your asylum case is being decided.

Step 4: Applying for a Green Card

If your asylum case is granted, we proceed with filing the I-485 application. This is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It provides you with a green card, allowing you to become a lawful permanent resident.

Benefits of Asylum

Securing asylum opens new opportunities, including:

Pathway to Lawful Status

Once your asylum case is approved, you have a clear path to obtaining lawful status in the United States. This status protects you from being deported and allows you to live safely.

Pathway to Citizenship

With a green card, you can pave the way to U.S. citizenship. After living in the U.S. for five years as a permanent resident, you may apply for citizenship. This gives you full rights and lets you take part in society.

Professional Insights for a Seamless Transition

To ensure success in your immigration process, I offer these recommendations to help with asylum requirements:

Professional Consultation

Working with an experienced immigration attorney like me, Matty Luna, can be invaluable. We help you understand the complexities and ensure all your documentation is complete and accurate. We craft a tailored plan for each step, from preparing forms to submitting documents to the interview.

Timely Action

It's important to act promptly. There are deadlines for filing asylum applications. We help you meet these deadlines to keep your case moving forward.

Gathering Evidence

Providing strong evidence supports your asylum claim.

We help you collect important documents. This includes personal statements, affidavits, and reports on the situation in your home country.

Support and Guidance

We understand that this process can be stressful. At Crescent Law, we offer compassionate support. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Conclusion

Asylum can provide new opportunities and a path to U.S. citizenship for those fleeing their home countries. At Crescent Law in Tukwila, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. Transform your Future with our dedicated support.