The term “asylum” can exclusively be applied to a person with a history of oppression on account of race, caste, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, sexual violence/ orientation, civil war, or political opinion. However, the common misconception is that asylum automatically grants citizenship, whereas it does not. Accepted applicants of an asylum case are permitted to live and work in the United States through work permits. Still, they are not considered as a permanent residence not unless after one year.

It is best to consult an immigration lawyer dedicated to helping people escape persecution in their home countries to fully understand what seeking asylum entails to one person and to at least prevent the chances of engaging in unethical routes.

Perspective to Asylum

According to the American Immigration Council in 2018, a recorded number of 38,687 individuals granted an asylum case – 25,439 affirmatively and 13,248 defensively. Significant asylee usually comes from China and Egypt through the past 10-year period. Other nationals topped on the list include Guatemala, Haiti, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, Colombia, and Russia.

Being granted an asylum case puts an individual entitled to certain rights and privileges in the country. However, the asylum process can take years to conclude due to different viable reasons such as pending cases, backlogs in the immigration courts, and changes from the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

With that being said, seeking asylum entails your future to be separated from your country, loved ones, and capital in dangerous situations. The AIC – in partnership with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – allows pending cases of at least 150 days of asylum seekers for work authorization. However, the uncertainty of their future will affect one’s daily living.

During the asylum processing, asylum seekers are allowed by U.S. law to remain in the country while their claim for petition is pending. The Human Rights Act of 1998 lawfully partook further protection to asylum seekers. When considering an asylum application, the applicant may not be returned to their home country if it would contravene their rights as laid out in the Human Rights Act. They would face persecution and discrimination.

Asylum Benefits

Individuals who successfully complete the asylum process in the U.S. are eligible for various benefits provided by the government. These benefits include job assistance, career counseling, and training in employment skills. However, navigating these processes can be complex, which is why many asylum seekers seek the assistance of a US immigration lawyer in Wilmington, DE, or elsewhere. These legal experts can help guide individuals through the asylum process and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.

In most cases, each asylee may need to apply for a Social Security card and request spouses and children listed on their asylum application to receive derivative asylum status.

Male asylees with ages between 18 and 26 years old must apply for Selective Service in the military. Failure to fulfill this condition may negatively affect eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

Other rights of an asylum seeker include the right to follow one’s religion, the right for an application in a fair and accurate method, the right to access healthcare, the right to education for children, and many more. Consult your immigration lawyer for the complete list.

Conclusion

Achieving asylum is a hard process but attaining the title gives you abundant benefits. Remember, this article does not constitute legal advice. You should seek a knowledgeable immigration lawyer.