Applying for Refugee Status

Those requesting asylum who are currently outside of the United States must receive a referral through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Those who receive a referral get assistance completing their application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and are interviewed by a USCIS officer who makes a determination about their eligibility. If approved, the applicant receives a medical exam, cultural orientation, and then may travel to the United States.

Applying for Asylum Status

Those requesting asylum at the border or within the United States file an application with USCIS. Then, depending on whether or not they are in removal proceedings at the time of application, have their request heard at an interview with a USCIS Asylum Officer or in court during a hearing with the immigration judge. If the application is granted, the applicant is given documentation of their status as an asylee.

Employment Authorization

Whether the applicant was admitted as a refugee or became an asylee, they are authorized for employment (even without an Employment Authorization Card). Refugees will receive an employment authorization card after their arrival and asylees may request one, though it is not strictly necessary for either status. Refugees generally do not require work authorization beforehand since they are not present in the country. Asylum seekers, on the other hand, are permitted to apply for interim work authorization if they have been waiting for an interview or decision for more than 150 days and did nothing to cause delay in the case.

Permanent Resident Status

Technically an immigrant's status as a refugee or asylee is indefinite. However, a change in circumstances that results in the elimination of danger to the foreign national could result in the termination of their status.

For example, a family fleeing political persecution for their support of an opposition party would (in many situations) no longer have a reasonable fear of persecution if their party seized control of the government. Permanent Resident Status eliminates the need to continue to show a reasonable fear of persecution. An asylee may request Permanent Resident Status after being physically present in the U.S. for at least a year.