Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:47:59 -0800WeeblyMon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.globalfamilysupport.org/immigration-blog/travel-considerations-for-asylum-applicantsCan someone who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and then applied for asylum continue to travel using their tourist visa?

If a person enters the U.S. on a tourist visa and then applies for asylum, they should not travel outside the U.S. using their tourist visa while their asylum application is pending. Here are the reasons why:

1. Invalidation of Visa Status: Filing for asylum can change the person's immigration status. Once they apply for asylum, their status as a tourist typically ends, as they are asserting that they cannot return to their home country due to fear of persecution.

2. Impact on Asylum Claim: Leaving the U.S. after applying for asylum and trying to re-enter on a tourist visa might be viewed by immigration authorities as contradicting their claim of fearing persecution in their home country. This could adversely affect the credibility of the asylum claim and might lead to a denial.

3. Re-entry Risks: Even if the tourist visa is technically still valid, re-entering the U.S. on this visa after applying for asylum is risky. Immigration officials at the port of entry might not allow the person to re-enter if they know about the pending asylum application.

4. Loss of Asylum Application: Departing the U.S. while an asylum application is pending can be seen as abandoning the asylum claim, potentially leading to its automatic termination.

Therefore, it's crucial for individuals in such situations to consult with an immigration attorney before making any travel plans outside the U.S. during their asylum application process.

]]>Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.globalfamilysupport.org/immigration-blog/travel-restrictions-and-considerations-for-asylum-seekersCan an individual who has recently applied for asylum also apply for a travel document to visit another country?

Generally, a person who has only applied for asylum and has not yet been granted asylum status is not eligible to receive a Refugee Travel Document. Here are some key points to consider regarding travel during the asylum application process:

1. Travel Restrictions: Most countries have strict rules that prohibit asylum seekers from traveling outside the country while their application is pending. Traveling outside the country could be interpreted as an indication that the individual has a safe country to reside in, which might jeopardize their asylum claim.

2. Consequences of Traveling: If an asylum seeker leaves the country where they applied for asylum without permission, they may not be allowed to re-enter. This could result in the termination of their asylum application.

3. Permission to Travel: In some rare cases, asylum seekers may be granted permission to travel for urgent humanitarian reasons or serious personal reasons. This usually requires a specific application and approval from the immigration authorities.

4. Alternative Documents: Instead of a Refugee Travel Document, asylum seekers might be issued a different type of travel document if they are allowed to travel, which typically has more restrictions.

It's crucial for asylum seekers to consult with legal counsel or the immigration authorities of the country where they have applied for asylum before making any travel plans. Traveling without proper authorization could have severe implications for their asylum status.

]]>Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.globalfamilysupport.org/immigration-blog/from-asylum-application-to-work-visa-eligibilityCan a foreigner who is legally in the USA and applies for asylum subsequently apply for a work visa?

​Yes, a foreigner who is in the USA legally and applies for asylum can later apply for a work visa. Here's how the process generally works:

1. Asylum Application: If a person is already in the U.S. legally and then applies for asylum, they must wait until their application is either approved or pending for 150 days before they can apply for work authorization. Once they apply for work authorization, it can take up to 30 days to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

2. Work Visa Application: After receiving asylum or while their asylum case is pending, the individual can also apply for different types of work visas, depending on their situation and qualifications. For instance, they might qualify for an H-1B visa if they work in a specialty occupation, or a different type of visa that matches their circumstances.

3. Transition from Asylum to Work Visa: It's important to note that changing from asylum status to a work visa requires meeting the specific criteria for that visa, which might include securing a job offer from a U.S. employer, who must then sponsor the visa.

This process can be complex and subject to various immigration laws and regulations, so it's often beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney to navigate the system effectively and understand all available options.

]]>Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.globalfamilysupport.org/immigration-blog/work-authorization-under-cbp-one-entryWhat are the options for obtaining a work permit for someone who entered the U.S. using the CBP One app?

Under the CBP One app, which is used primarily for processing appointments at U.S. ports of entry, individuals may be admitted into the U.S. under various statuses, such as humanitarian parole. If an  individual enters the U.S. through this mechanism and wishes to obtain authorization to work, there are a few potential pathways, but each depends heavily on their specific circumstances:

1. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Application:
   If the individual is granted humanitarian parole, they may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), provided their parole is for more than one year. This document allows them to work legally in the U.S. for a specific period.

2. Adjustment of Status:
   If circumstances change—such as marriage to a U.S. citizen or an offer of employment under certain visa categories (e.g., H-1B, if qualifications are met)—the individual might be able to adjust their status from parolee to a visa holder or lawful permanent resident, which typically includes work authorization.

3. Asylum Application:
   If the individual applies for and is granted asylum, they can apply for an EAD immediately after their asylum grant. Before the grant, they can apply for an EAD 150 days after submitting their asylum application, provided no decision has been made on their application within 180 days.

4. Special Programs:
   Occasionally, specific programs or provisions may allow individuals from certain countries or in certain situations to apply for work permits. These programs can change based on legislative or executive actions, so it's important to stay informed about current options.

Each of these pathways has specific eligibility requirements and procedural steps. An immigration lawyer or a qualified advisor can provide tailored advice and assistance with applications to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations.

]]>Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.globalfamilysupport.org/immigration-blog/applying-for-asylumYou cannot apply for asylum in the U.S. from another country. Asylum is a form of protection that is granted to individuals who are already physically present in the United States and who meet the definition of a refugee under U.S. law.
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To be eligible for asylum, an individual must demonstrate that they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. They must also show that their government is unable or unwilling to protect them from this persecution.

To apply for asylum in the United States, an individual must be physically present in the country and submit an application within one year of their arrival. In some cases, individuals may be able to apply for asylum at a port of entry or in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

However, it is possible to apply for refugee status from outside the United States through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which is managed by the U.S. Department of State. The USRAP provides resettlement opportunities for refugees who are unable to return to their home country or integrate into the country where they have sought asylum.]]>Mon, 03 Apr 2023 19:15:06 GMThttps://www.globalfamilysupport.org/immigration-blog/student-visaIf you are a non-U.S. citizen who wants to study in the United States, you will need to apply for a student visa. Here are the general steps you need to take to apply for a student visa in the U.S:

1. Apply to and be accepted by a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)-approved school in the United States. You will need to obtain an I-20 form from the school.
2. Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
3. Fill out the DS-160 application.
4. Schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
5. Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee receipt, I-20 form, financial support documentation, and any other relevant documentation.
6. Attend your visa interview appointment and provide all necessary documents. You may also need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints.
7. Wait for your visa to be processed. This can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the workload at the embassy or consulate.
8. Once you receive your visa, you can travel to the United States to begin your studies.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a student visa may vary depending on your country of origin and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Be sure to carefully review the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate and follow all instructions and requirements closely.]]>