People come to the United States for a number of reasons; whether it’s for work, pleasure, school or safety, many find themselves in the US and wish to stay.

With the war in Ukraine and the increased instances of violence in Mexico, plenty of immigrants are starting to seek asylum so they don’t have to return to an unsafe area.

This is true for immigrants from many other countries, as well. But who qualifies for immigration asylum? And how do you apply for asylum in the United States?

Several people opt to use an asylum attorney, especially immigrants residing in Miami, FL. The process of applying for immigration asylum can be complicated and challenging, so it’s a good idea to work with an immigration lawyer to help you navigate everything. That said, here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re wondering if you qualify for immigration asylum.

Who qualifies for immigration asylum?

If you have just arrived in the US, you can apply for immigration asylum in the port you arrived at. If it’s been within one year of your arrival in the US, you can still apply for immigration asylum. However, if it’s been more than a year since you arrived, you likely won’t qualify for asylum.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, there are several instances where you can apply for asylum if you have an extenuating circumstance occur. This can include (but is not limited to) a change in your marital status, serious illness, legal disability, unsafe living conditions or potential persecution in your home country and changes in the law allowing additional exceptions. These situations vary, so it’s best to work with an immigration attorney if any of these situations apply to you.

How do I apply for asylum?

You’ll need to fill out and submit a form requesting asylum. If you have any extenuating circumstances listed above, you’ll probably want to connect with an attorney to ensure the Immigration Department receives and processes your application as quickly as possible.

Can I travel outside the US after I receive asylum?

If you have not received your approval for asylum, you should remain in the United States. Once you’ve received asylum, you can consider traveling. However, you’ll need to apply for permission to return to the United States after your travels. The same is true for any spouse or children that are traveling with you. If you don’t receive this permission, you may not be able to return to the United States.

Applying for immigration asylum can be a long process, especially if you don’t have the right support or need help with translation. And if you miss out on important deadlines or don’t fill out your forms correctly, you could accidentally delay your approval.

Here at Tampa Immigration Law Center, we strive to ensure our clients get the help they need. Our years of experience ensure that we can answer any questions you may have and can support you along the application process. To learn more about our services, contact us today!