Can I apply for asylum if I am not at a port of entry?

Yes, you may apply for asylum even if you are not at a port of entry in Virginia. People who are present in the United States without legal authorization may qualify for asylum regardless of their method of entry. This is known as “affirmative asylum.” And while a port of entry is the most common place to apply for asylum, it’s not the only way to do it. In order to qualify for asylum, you must show that you’re unable or unwilling to return to your country of origin due to persecution or fear of persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. If you are seeking asylum and are not at a port of entry, you must go to the nearest Immigration Court and request asylum. You will be interviewed by an Asylum Officer to determine whether you meet the criteria for a grant of asylum. If you are granted asylum, you may be able to stay in the United States and adjust your immigration status in five years. If you are denied asylum, you could still be eligible for other forms of immigration relief. For example, you may be able to adjust your immigration status through a family petition or through an employment visa. Before making any decisions, it’s best to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer so they can help you understand the process and your rights.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

Sí, se puede aplicar para el asilo incluso si no está en un puerto de entrada. El gobierno de los Estados Unidos reconoce el derecho de los solicitantes de asilo a presentar una solicitud de asilo incluso si se encuentran en el interior de los Estados Unidos. Esto se conoce como presentar una solicitud de asilo afirmativa. La solicitud se presenta en la Oficina de Inmigración de Estados Unidos y se examina de inmediato para determinar si el solicitante cumple con los requisitos de estatus de asilo. Una vez que se realice una evaluación de fondo, el solicitante tendrá la oportunidad de comparecer ante el Oficial de Inmigración de Estados Unidos para una entrevista de asilo. Si se aprueba, el solicitante recibirá el estatus de asilo y los beneficios correspondientes. Si se niega, el solicitante puede recurrir la decisión. En el caso de Virginia, los solicitantes de asilo pueden presentar solicitudes de asilo afirmativas en el Centro de Solicitudes de Asilo de Arlington.

Related FAQs

What is a “biometric screening”?
Where can I find an attorney to help me with my asylum application?
How can I obtain a refugee visa?
Is legal representation required for an asylum application?
What is the difference between political asylum and religious asylum?
How does my immigration status affect my asylum application?
What is a “mandatory detention”?
What is a “reasonable fear” interview?
Are children eligible to apply for asylum?
What is the difference between an asylum officer and an immigration judge?

Can I apply for asylum if I am not at a port of entry?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts