Green Card Through Refugee/Asylee Status

It is possible to obtain a green card if you are a refugee, and asylee or a qualifying family member of either category.

Refugee and asylum status are granted to people who fear returning to their country because they have been or fear to be persecuted on the basis of religion, race, nationality, and/or being part of a particular social group or having a particular political opinion. These people are of special humanitarian concern to the United States and they can apply for refugee or asylum status if they fear serious harm upon returning to their country.

The difference between refugee status and asylum status is the geographical location at the time of the application. Refugees must apply for a referral status only from outside the United States while asylees must already be in the United States or be seeking admission at a port of entry.

After obtaining refugee status, a refugee is required by law to apply for permanent residency (green card) after one year of being granted status. Asylees are not required to obtain a green card after one year, but it is often in their best interest to do so. Spouse and children (unmarried and under 21 years old) of asylees are also eligible to apply for a green card after 1 year of being admitted into the United States.

Whether you already have been granted refugee or asylum status and are ready to apply for a green card, or you are looking to seek asylum status for yourself or for certain family members, you can count on Cohen & Forman’s expertise to help you decide on the best path to become a permanent resident of the United States.