Talk To A Chicago Immigration Attorney
312-332-2550
Asylum vs. Refugee Status: What is the Difference?
Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below
Foreign nationals who leave their home country because they fear for their safety, or who are scared to return to their own country, can apply for special protections in the United States. The way to do this is by applying for either asylum or refugee status. Many people use these two terms interchangeably, but there are important legal differences between them. So, how do you know whether to apply for refugee status or asylum status? It all depends on where you are at the time of application.
Applying for Refugee or Asylum Status
If you are not currently in the United States and want to enter the country, you must apply for refugee status. Typically, this is done through the U.N. Refugee Agency, but you cannot specify which particular country you would like to enter.
If you have already entered the United States, whether on a visa or illegally, you must apply for asylum status. Applying for asylum status is often more difficult than applying for refugee status.
Qualifying for Refugee or Asylum Status
You must prove two eligibility requirements when applying for either refugee or asylum status. You must first show that you cannot or will not return to your own country because you faced persecution there in the past or because you fear that you will face persecution if you return.
Unfortunately, facing persecution is not enough to obtain refugee or asylum status. You must also show that the persecution you will face is due to your religion, race, nationality, membership in a certain social group, or your political opinion. Although the terms religion, race, and nationality are fairly easy to understand, many people do not understand what the requirements of political opinion and membership in a certain group entail.
Persecution based on political opinion means that you have certain opinions that the government or authorities in your home country do not tolerate. Typically, this means that you have been critical of the government in some way. When claiming persecution based on political opinion, you must show that the government or other authoritative body is aware of your opinion, otherwise you likely have no reason to fear persecution for it. Showing that you were outspoken at protests, or that you published anti-government sentiments can help show that you would be persecuted for your opinions.
Claiming persecution based on membership in a certain social group is much more difficult to establish. A social group is defined as a group of people with fundamental common characteristics that they cannot change, nor should they be expected to. Social groups must have specific boundaries for membership, and be recognized as a distinct body. Examples of social groups include certain ethnic groups, tribes, and certain social classes.
Our Illinois Immigration Lawyers can Help With Your Case
Applying for asylum or refugee status can provide you with the protection you need, but the process is not easy. At Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, our Chicago immigration lawyers are here to help. We can advise on which type of status to apply for, help you prove your case, and give you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced attorneys.
Co Mówią Nasi Klienci
Ocena 5 gwiazdek | Na podstawie 200+ pozytywnych opinii na Google
I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
Schedule a consultation!:
Umów się na konsultację!
Libertyville
Reklama prawnika. Informacje te mają wyłącznie charakter ogólny. Przedstawionych informacji nie należy interpretować jako formalnej porady prawnej ani tworzenia relacji prawnik/klient. Wcześniejsze wyniki i referencje nie stanowią gwarancji, rękojmi ani przewidywania wyniku Twojej sprawy i nie powinny być w ten sposób interpretowane. Wyniki z przeszłości nie mogą zagwarantować przyszłych wyników. Jakikolwiek wynik w pojedynczej sprawie nie ma na celu stworzenia oczekiwań podobnych wyników w przyszłych sprawach, ponieważ każdy przypadek wiąże się z wieloma różnymi czynnikami, dlatego też wyniki będą się różnić w każdym przypadku. Podając dane kontaktowe, użytkownicy potwierdzają i wyrażają wyraźną zgodę na kontakt za pośrednictwem udostępnionych metod komunikacji, w tym wiadomości SMS. Mogą obowiązywać stawki za wiadomości i transmisję danych. Częstotliwość wiadomości może się różnić. Odpowiedz STOP, aby zrezygnować.
NUVEW | Prawo autorskie 2025 Wszelkie prawa zastrzeżone | Informacja o dostępności | polityka prywatności