Immigration to Avoid Persecution and Chaos
If you (or a loved one) must flee your homeland or another country, to avoid persecution and chaos, there are 7 paths to U.S. immigration. This means that you can either come to the U.S., or avoid removal proceedings, if you qualify. Obtaining refugee status is one of those 7 paths. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney to determine whether obtaining refugee status, or one other the other 6 paths, is right for you.
How Do I Qualify as a Refugee?
In very general terms, you may obtain refugee immigration status, if you have a well-founded fear of persecution because of your:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Social Group Membership
- Political Opinion
The Refugee Process
This is a overview of the refugee application process; each next step assumes that the previous step was completed successfully.
- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees must determine that you qualify as a refugee.
- The Commissioner gives the appropriate U.S. embassy, your name.
- The U.S. embassy orders a background check from a resettlement organization.
- The background check is performed.
- The State Department runs a name check via the Consular Lookout and Support System.
- The potential refugee must interview with an officer from the Department of Homeland Security.
- The application is then sent to the Depart of State.
- The FBI and CIA do an additional review and issue a Security Advisor Opinion.
- The State Department must give final approval.
- Any specific relocation request based upon a family relationship is investigated.
- The refugee must fly into one of eight approved airports, where he or she must participate in a face to face interview to ensure that he or she is actually the person approved for entry.
- At the airport, the refugee is issued photo identification that shows that he or she is authorized to live and work in the United States.
It’s a complicated and lengthy procedure; it’s likely in your best interest to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to make sure that your request for refugee status is handled correctly and in a timely manner.
Where to Get Help with Refugee and Immigration Issues
We focus our practice on immigration law and help people just like you every day. We will listen to your concerns and answer your questions; you are not alone.
Your next step is to contact our office: 513-791-1673 or Thomasjr@geygan.com. We will guide you through the refugee application and resettlement process.