Los angeles refugee lawyer helping with refugee adjustment
“If you are suffering persecution in your home country and cannot get asylum inside the U.S., you can apply as a refugee to UNHCR.”
— Brian D. Lerner, Asylum and Refugee Immigration Lawyer
What is a refugee
Firstly, individuals who meet this definition may be considered for either refugee status under Section 207 of the INA if they are outside the United States, Or asylum status under Section 208 of the INA, If they are already in the United States.
Refugee admission
Secondly, since the passage of the Refugee Act in 1980, which incorporated this definition of refugee into the INA, The United States has admitted more than 3.1 million refugees.
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Thirdly, under the Immigration Law, a refugee has experienced past persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
When to apply as a refugee or apply for asylum
Moreover, individuals who meet this definition may be considered for either refugee status under Section 207 of the INA if they are outside the United States, or to apply for Asylum status under Section 208 of the INA, if they are already in the United States.
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence.
Additionally, a refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
In sum, personal problems will not qualify, but persecution will.
Validity of refugee status
Refugee status is granted indefinitely and has no expiration date once the refugee has arrived in the United States. However, refugees are required to apply for permanent resident status (a green card) a year after living in the U.S.
Applying for the green card
All refugees are required to apply for a green card to become a permanent resident after one year in the United States.
Moreover, after five years of residency, they become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Refugee applicants visiting their home country
Refugees are generally not allowed to travel back to their home country. Refugee protection is granted on the presumption that it is unsafe to return. … However, particular circumstances might require that a refugee return home for a temporary visit.
“Do you have a political opinion or are in a social group against the government of your country? You can try to become a refugee to get admission to the United States.”
— Asylum Lawyer, Brian D. Lerner