Asylum is a form of protection that allows individuals who are in the United States to remain here, if they have been persecuted in the past or have a well founded fear of persecution in his or her home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Asylum applicants may apply for asylum even if he or she entered the US illegally or if he or she is in the US on an expired visa/I-94. Generally, asylum applicants must apply for asylum within one year of their arrival in the US but there are several exceptions which will allow the filing of an asylum application after one year. After the asylum petition has been pending for 180 days, the asylum applicant may apply for an EAD.
Once the asylum petition has been approved, the applicant is an approved asylee. An approved asylee may adjust his status to permanent resident (Green Card) and later obtain US citizenship.
Impressed beyond infinity
I liked Peter's calm, honest, and balanced approach to our very difficult immigration problem. He is very organized and responsive. He filed both of our cases with the DOS and USCIS promptly and the process went without a hitch. He is very intelligent and knowledgeable, but your success will also depend on your willingness to provide as much information and detail as possible. Peter will be able to organize it in the most effective way. We've just learned that our case was approved. Hoorah!