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Often, leaving your home country isn’t a choice but a need. Political persecution or oppression can make it dangerous to remain, but you can seek political asylum in the United States to escape persecution. This can give you an opportunity to raise your children in safety and have a chance at a fresh start. If you think you might qualify for political asylum, Los Angeles Legal Advocates can help you apply and move on to the next chapter of your life.
What Is Political Asylum?
So what is political asylum? Political asylum is a state in which you are granted protection by one nation after leaving your home nation due to political persecution. At that point, you are considered a political refugee and sheltered by your new country of residence. Political persecution qualifies as threats of harm made to you, your family, or those with your political affiliation. Asylees can remain in the United States without being deported. In order to apply for asylum, you must be either currently in the United States or at a point of entry.
Political Asylum Benefits For You and Your Family
The main benefit of political asylum in the United States is protection from your native country. However, there are a number of other political asylum benefits intended to help you adjust to your new life. Those benefits include:
- Authorization to Work
Even if you hope to one day return to your home country, you are likely to be in the United States for some time. Part of establishing a new life for yourself here is finding work so that you can make an income and provide for yourself and your family. As an asylee, you are granted authorization to work and the chance to apply for a social security card. - Petition to Bring Family Members
Don’t worry that you will have to leave your family behind in order to become a political refugee in the United States. You can petition to bring your family over, and they will receive the same status as you during your time as an asylee. - Overseas Travel
You may not be able to go to your native country, but you can still travel as an asylee, and be accepted back into the United States when you return. You will be granted refugee travel documentation to prove that everything is above board. However, if you want to travel to your home country, you will need to become a US citizen and apply for a passport. - Medical Assistance
Maintaining your health is a big part of feeling safe in your home. As an asylee, you may qualify for Medicaid, which will help to reduce many of your medical expenses. There’s also Refugee Medical Assistance. You may also find local groups that can help you get set up with counseling or therapy for your mental health. - Housing or Government Benefits
Again, this isn’t always guaranteed, but it can be found through some local refugee assistance organizations. Through these, you may be granted cash, help with housing or government benefits, and even coordination to get things like a driver’s license — which will also help you find work.
Political asylum in the United States is not the same as becoming a US citizen, but if you need shelter from political persecution in your home country, it may be the right choice for you. Contact Los Angeles Legal Advocates today to learn more about applying for political asylum or how we can help you as a political asylee.
