What is an “asylum clock stop”?

An “asylum clock stop” is a special provision in US immigration law that pauses the clock on the one-year filing deadline for asylum seekers. This clock stop appears in both the US Justice Department’s regulations and the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is the primary body of federal immigration law. Under the law, asylum seekers must apply within one year of their last entry into the US or face removal proceedings. But, with an asylum clock stop in place, the one-year filing deadline is paused and will not start ticking again until the immigration court considers the case. In Illinois, asylum clock stops are typically requested when the applicant’s attorney can demonstrate that the asylum seeker was unable to apply for asylum in time due to a certain set of circumstances. For example, if the applicant was in detention, suffered a trauma, or was facing a language barrier, the court may grant a clock stop. The clock stop would pause the one-year filing deadline and extend the time for the asylum seeker to apply for asylum. Once the request is approved, the asylum seeker can submit their application without fear of having the clock start ticking again. It is important to note that not all asylum seekers can request a clock stop, and there is no guarantee that a request will be approved. Moreover, each state has its own set of rules and regulations pertaining to asylum clock stops, so it is important for asylum seekers to consult an immigration attorney if they wish to request one in Illinois.

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

Un “asylum clock stop” es una práctica legal en Illinois para ayudar a algunos inmigrantes que buscan refugio. El reloj se detiene cuando una persona inmigrante es elegible para recibir asilo. Esto significa que el tiempo que la persona ha pasado en los Estados Unidos no se le contará para los requisitos de permanencia. El reloj se detiene para evitar que una persona sea deportada mientras se considera si tiene derecho a asilo. Una vez que se concede el asilo, el conteo de tiempo continúa desde el momento de la concesión. Algunas personas a las que se les concede asilo también pueden calificar para estadía legal permanente o ciudadanía. Otros países también ofrecen protección a los solicitantes de asilo bajo sus propias leyes de inmigración. Pero para la mayoría de los inmigrantes en Illinois, el detener el reloj les da la oportunidad de permanecer en los Estados Unidos mientras su caso se resuelve. Esto les da a los inmigrantes la oportunidad de presentar pruebas adicionales de que son elegibles para el asilo.

Related FAQs

What is an “expedited removal”?
Are there restrictions on travel outside the U.S. after being granted asylum?
How can I find out if I am eligible for asylum?
What is a “mandatory detention”?
How do I renew or extend my asylum status?
How can I get permission to travel while my asylum application is being processed?
Is there a fee to apply for asylum?
What kind of evidence do I need to prove my asylum claim?
What is a “convention against torture”?
What is a “withholding of removal”?

Related Blog Posts

What Is Asylum Law and How Can It Help You? - July 31, 2023
Exploring the U.S. Asylum Process: Steps to Follow - August 7, 2023
The Basics of Eligibility for Asylum in the United States - August 14, 2023
A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for Asylum in the U.S. - August 21, 2023
What Qualifies as a Credible Fear of Persecution Under Asylum Law? - August 28, 2023