What is asylum?

It is a request for asylum in another country due to persecution experienced in a person’s own country or the risk of harm in the future. By applying for asylum, a person can escape the risky situation in his own country and seek refuge in another country for a safe life.

Who can apply for asylum in the United States?

If an individual is being persecuted in their own country due to their ethnicity, religious beliefs, race, political views, or affiliation with a particular group, or if there is a risk of future persecution, they may apply for asylum in the United States. However, consulting with an immigration attorney regarding whether your situation qualifies for asylum can be beneficial.

When should an asylum application be submitted?

The application for asylum must be made within 1 year after the person reaches the United States. However, there are some exceptions to this one-year rule. Therefore, if you are in America and have missed this one-year deadline, we recommend contacting an immigration attorney for consultation.

How long does the asylum application process take?

The timeframe for asylum applications processed in immigration courts may vary depending on the caseload of the court to which the individual is assigned. Similarly, the processing time for asylum applications at asylum offices may also vary depending on the caseload of the particular asylum office where the case is being handled. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for how long asylum applications will take to be processed due to these factors.

Can Turkiye government learn that you applied for asylum? Is there a possibility of facing negative consequences if you return to Turkey after applying for asylum? 

Asylum applications made in the United States are confidential, and the U.S. government does not share the fact that you applied for asylum with any institution or individual. Therefore, you do not need to worry about facing negative consequences when you return to Turkey. Asylum is a legal right and does not constitute a crime.

How can I meet with my family in case of an emergency?

According to immigration rules, you must not leave the United States before your asylum application is finalized and approved. After your asylum is granted and approved, you can travel to any country except your own country. For this, we apply for a document called a refugee travel document. This document is also known as a white passport in America. With your refugee travel document, you can meet with your family members in countries other than your own, as well as in countries bordering your own. However, unfortunately having a travel document does not guarantee a smooth return to America, it depends on the discretion of the officers at the airport. Therefore, we do not recommend leaving America until you obtain citizenship. Even if you have a green card, there is unfortunately no guarantee that you can return to America smoothly. We have encountered individuals with green cards who were questioned at the airport and experienced problems upon entry. Therefore, before making such an application, we strongly advise you to consult with an immigration attorney. After obtaining American citizenship, you can travel to any country, including your own country, and even settle there.

Can you lose your Turkey citizenship if your asylum application is revealed?

Applying for asylum in America and potentially obtaining a green card and American citizenship based on your asylum approval will not affect your Turkey citizenship. You can live as both a Turkey and American citizen (dual citizenship).

What happens in case of asylum acceptance or rejection?

Depending on the outcome of an asylum application being processed at the asylum office, the process can proceed in different ways. When an asylum application is approved, the applicant obtains refugee status and may benefit from certain rights. These rights may include the right to settle in the country, work authorization, and other social benefits. Following the conclusion and approval of an asylum application, the applicant may be eligible to obtain permanent residence in America and subsequently apply for American citizenship. If an individual’s asylum application at the asylum office is denied, they may file a new asylum application in immigration courts. As long as the asylum process continues, the individual may legally remain in America. The immigration court reevaluates the applicant’s case and makes a decision. Working with an immigration attorney on what evidence is necessary to win your case, what types of questions the judge and government attorney may ask you during hearings related to your asylum application, and how to respond to these questions, as well as preparing for your hearings, can greatly benefit you in winning your case.