Understanding Asylum: What Are Some Examples of Asylum Cases?
Understanding Asylum: Asylum cases come in all shapes and sizes, like a buffet of unfortunate circumstances. Think journalists exposing corruption, activists standing up for human rights, or individuals persecuted for their faith or identity. One memorable case? If your situation feels like a page out of an action thriller (but way less fun), you might have a solid asylum claim.
Understanding Asylum: What Happens to My Tourist Visa if I Apply for Asylum?
So, you came for a visit but stayed for… sanctuary? Here鈥檚 the deal: once you apply for asylum, your tourist visa essentially waves goodbye after your I-94 expires. While your asylum application is pending, you鈥檙e allowed to stay in the U.S., but leaving could have your case labeled “abandoned” unless you have advance permission to travel. Remember, this process takes commitment.
Understanding Asylum: What Should I Do if My Asylum Case Has Been Pending for 7 Years?
Seven years?! That鈥檚 almost two U.S. presidential terms, and long time to be separated from your loved ones. If you鈥檝e been waiting this long, it鈥檚 time to check in. You can contact USCIS for an update, but you might need to bring in the big guns (an attorney) to shake things up. Mandamus lawsuits, which basically nudge the government to get moving, might be worth exploring. You might also want to consider a short-list and expedite request with the asylum office.
Understanding Asylum: What Are the Different Types of Asylum?
Great question! There are two main kinds:
- Affirmative Asylum: You apply proactively while in the U.S.
- Defensive Asylum: You鈥檙e in removal proceedings and apply for asylum as your relief from removal.
Oh, and let鈥檚 not forget humanitarian asylum, a form of asylum available the to an applicant who suffered past persecution but perhaps the country conditions have changed and there would be no risk of future harm if they were returned to their home country. In this situation, the applicant must show that the past persecution was so severe that returning them to their home country would be inhumane.
Understanding Asylum: What Happens If My Asylum Case Has Been Pending for 10 Years?
At this point, you might feel like your case belongs in a museum. Ten years is an epic wait, and while it鈥檚 not normal, it does happen. Keep your address updated with USCIS so you don鈥檛 miss any notices. If you are in immigration court, update the court when you change your address. Definitely loop in an attorney, they might suggest filing a mandamus lawsuit to light a fire under the process.
Which Countries Are Common Destinations for Asylum Seekers?
The U.S. might be the prom queen of asylum destinations, but other countries like Canada, Germany, and Sweden are also popular. Australia and the UK? They鈥檙e on the list too. Each country has its quirks and rules.
How Can I Check the Status of My Asylum Case?
Checking your case status is kind of like waiting for exam results, except way more nerve-wracking. Here鈥檚 how:
- Call the asylum office with jurisdiction over your case (if you applied affirmatively).
- Call the immigration court hotline if you鈥檙e in removal proceedings.
- Or, better yet, ask your attorney to handle the detective work, because let鈥檚 face it, who wants to spend hours on hold?
Seeking asylum is a challenging journey, but having the right information (and maybe a good sense of humor) can help you through it. Got more questions? Reach out to an attorney or check out our other blogs, because you deserve answers (and a little peace of mind), and we have them.
