By Janet Howard

If you’ve fled your country and are terrified of returning, you may be eligible for asylum or refugee status in the U.S.

In a world marked by conflicts, persecution, and human rights violations, seeking asylum or refugee status is often the only lifeline for individuals facing threats to their safety and well-being. Asylum and refugee status serve as legal protections granted to those who flee their home countries due to fear of persecution or harm. While both concepts share similar objectives, they differ in the application process and the criteria for eligibility.

Asylum is a form of protection that allows individuals already present within a country’s borders to remain there if they can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This protection is enshrined in international law, particularly in the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.

On the other hand, refugee status applies to individuals outside their country of nationality who are unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution. To be recognized as a refugee, applicants must meet the same criteria as those seeking asylum, but they undergo the process from outside the country where they seek protection.

Eligibility

Eligibility for asylum or refugee status hinges on proving a genuine fear of persecution. Persecution can take various forms, including, but not limited to, imprisonment, torture, discrimination, or threats to life or freedom. Furthermore, the persecution must target the individual based on one of the specified grounds.Let’s consider two hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the distinction between asylum and refugee status in the context of coming to America:

Scenario 1: Asylum Seeker Emilia is a journalist from a country where the government suppresses freedom of speech. She has been critical of the government’s actions in her articles, and as a result, she has received threats to her life. Fearing persecution, Maria flees to the United

States and presents herself at the border. She expresses her fear of returning to her home country due to persecution based on her political beliefs.

In this scenario, Emilia is seeking asylum in the United States. As an asylum seeker, she is already on U.S. soil when she applies for protection. She must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution based on specific grounds, such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. If her asylum application is approved, she will be allowed to stay in the United States and may eventually become eligible for permanent residency.

Scenario 2: Refugee Ahmed is a member of an ethnic minority group in a war-torn country. Armed militias have targeted his village, and his family’s safety is at risk. Unable to find safety

within his own country, Ahmed flees to a neighboring country, where he registers as a refugee with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

In this scenario, Ahmed is seeking refugee status. Refugees like Ahmed are individuals who are located outside their home country and are unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution. They seek protection in another country, often with the assistance of international organizations like the UNHCR. If Ahmed’s refugee status is recognized, he may be resettled in a third country, such as the United States, where he can rebuild his life safely.

In summary, the key distinction between asylum seekers and refugees lies in their location when seeking protection: asylum seekers are already on the country’s territory where they seek protection, while refugees are outside their home country and seek protection in another country. However, both groups share the experience of fleeing persecution and seeking safety and protection under international law.

Distinguishing Between Asylum and Refugee Status in U.S. Immigration Law

Understanding the nuances between asylum and refugee status in U.S. immigration law reveals that the primary distinction lies in the applicant’s physical location when submitting their application.

For individuals outside the United States borders, the appropriate pathway is to pursue refugee status. This typically involves applying through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Importantly, applicants cannot specify their desired destination country, including the U.S., and are subject to an annual cap set by the U.S. President. Notably, this cap drastically decreased during the Trump Administration, hitting a low of 15,000 per year. However, the Biden Administration subsequently increased this ceiling to 125,000 for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

Conversely, individuals already present within the interior of the United States, whether through legal means such as visas or illegal entry, can pursue asylum status affirmatively. This process necessitates application within one year of arrival, with exceptions granted in cases of altered circumstances.

In principle, individuals arriving at a U.S. border can also petition for asylum. However, this avenue has become notably more challenging due to policy shifts, exemplified by initiatives like the “Remain in Mexico” policy.

What Benefits Are Given to Asylees and Refugees in the U.S.? 

Upon receiving refugee or asylee status, individuals can remain indefinitely in the United States. Asylees and refugees are granted authorization to seek employment. They are eligible to pursue a green card within a year of either arriving in the United States as a refugee or obtaining asylum approval. However, the status of asylees may be rescinded if circumstances in their country of origin evolve to the extent that their return is deemed safe.

Challenges of Seeking Asylum or Refugee Status

The process of seeking asylum or refugee status is often complex and fraught with challenges. Applicants must navigate legal systems, present evidence to support their claims and endure lengthy waiting periods. Moreover, asylum and refugee protection availability varies from country to country, with some nations offering more robust support systems than others

In recent years, the global refugee crisis has brought increased attention to the plight of displaced individuals worldwide. Conflicts, persecution, and humanitarian emergencies have forced millions to flee their homes in search of safety and security. As nations grapple with the complexities of migration and asylum, it is essential to uphold the principles of international law and provide refuge to those in need.

In conclusion, asylum and refugee status are vital mechanisms for protecting individuals fleeing persecution and violence. While the concepts share common objectives, they differ in terms of the application process and the applicant’s location. Regardless of the pathway chosen, the fundamental principle remains the same: to provide sanctuary and support to those facing grave threats to their lives and freedoms.

Legal Guidance 

Determining eligibility and applying for asylum or refugee status is not easy. Immigration law is complex and dynamic, and immigrants are vulnerable to being victims of immigration fraud. Start by talking with an experienced attorney, preferably a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). The International Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates has been practicing immigration law for over a quarter of a century. To schedule a consultation, call 855-767-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us

  asylum, immigration, refugee, status