Asylum in the United States is an important protection for those fleeing persecution in their home countries. Once an asylum application is approved, beneficiaries wonder how long this status will last and what the long-term implications are. In this article, I will tell you about how long asylum lasts, what rights it grants, and the steps you should take as an applicant after receiving approval.

Asylum is a protected status granted by the U.S. government to people who have suffered persecution or fear persecution in their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group or political opinion. Once approved, asylum allows the applicant to reside legally in the U.S. and apply for certain benefits.

Asylum status in the United States does not have a defined expiration date, which means that, once approved, the asylee may remain in the country indefinitely. However, there are certain factors and steps that asylees must consider in order to maintain this status and move on to other forms of protection or legalization.

1. Permanent residency after one year

After having maintained asylum status for one year, asylees may apply for lawful permanent residence (Green Card). This will allow them to live and work in the U.S. without time limitations and is the first step toward U.S. citizenship.

2. Maintaining asylum status

Although asylum status is indefinite, it can be revoked if circumstances in the asylee's home country change significantly. In addition, those who commit serious crimes or pose a threat to the security of the United States may lose this status.

Rights and Benefits of Asylum Status

Being approved for asylum in the U.S. confers a number of rights and benefits to applicants, including the following:

·        Permission to work: Asylees may apply for a work permit and legally work in the U.S.

·        Access to public benefits: Asylees may access certain public assistance programs.

·       Family Reunification: Asylees may apply to bring their immediate family members (spouse and children under the age of 21) to live in the United States.

Steps after asylum approval

Once asylum is approved, the next step is to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) after one year. This is an important step towards citizenship, which can be applied for five years after obtaining permanent residency.

1. Applying for Permanent Residence

Form I-485 is the document that asylees must file to adjust their status to permanent residence after one year of asylum status.

2. Path to Citizenship

After five years of permanent resident status, asylees may apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.

Asylum in the United States is a durable form of protection for those fleeing persecution. While it does not have an expiration date, asylees can move toward permanent residency and citizenship. Staying informed about their rights, following the proper steps and seeking legal advice will allow them to settle permanently in the country.

Don't take chances and don't waste time! Contact me to help you with your asylum process.

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