Traveling to America is typically an exciting event for foreigners; however, each person traveling to the U.S. has a different story and their own reason for entering the United States. In many cases, their trip is short lived and only for tourism. In other cases, the goal is long term or permanent. For those seeking to start a new life in America, it is important to understand what options they have to establish a new life in the country. This is especially true for those seeking to escape horrible situations and treatment in their home country.
Entering the U.S. at Illinois or any other state as an asylee is not uncommon. However, in order to obtain status through asylum, an immigrant must meet the definition of an asylum. Once determined to meet these standards and asylum is granted, an asylee has the ability to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
After being physically present in the U.S. for at least one year after being granted asylum, an asylee can take steps to obtain a green card. In order to do so, however, one must meet certain requirements to be eligible. This entails filing out an application, being physically present in the U.S. at the time of filing, have been present in the U.S. for at least one year after being granted asylum, continue to meet the definition of a refugee or are the spouse or child of a refugee, have not firmly resettled in any foreign country, asylum status has not been terminated, are admissible to the U.S. for lawful permanent resident or eligible for a waiver or other forms of relief and merit the favorable exercise of discretion.
Whether an immigrant has been living in the U.S. as an asylee for a few years or a few days, it is important for them to understand their situation and what rights are afforded to them. This means understanding if it is possible to gain legal status, initiating the process to become a legal resident.
