What is the most important document in an asylum application?

The most important document in an asylum application is your written statement. In this written statement, you are expected to narrate in detail the events that support your asylum claim. In addition to the written statement, other supporting documents for the asylum application are also important. These documents would include evidence of the difficulties you have faced, threats you have received, or any instances of persecution if applicable. For example, threat messages, police reports, medical records, statements from witnesses, and similar documents can be added to the asylum file to strengthen the application. Since each asylum case is unique, the types of evidence needed for an asylum file may vary. Therefore, working with an immigration attorney during your application process will greatly benefit you.

Is there a burden of proof in asylum applications?

There is no burden of proof in asylum applications. You are not expected to have specific documents. What matters here is that you can accurately and thoroughly explain the events that have happened to you. The approval of asylum applications depends on all the events being presented in accordance with asylum procedures. So, it could also depend on your entire life story. However, this does not mean that an asylum application can be submitted and approved without any documents. As we listen to your life story, we ask questions like ‘Can you provide this document? Can you find these pictures?’ to gather the necessary documents for your asylum application and attach them to your file.

What documents are required for an asylum application?

Generally, the following documents are used in an asylum application file:

1. Passport copies: Copies of your passport, including all pages, from which you entered the United States are added to the file. If your spouse and children are also applying for asylum, copies of their passports should also be included.
2. Official identification documents: Official identification documents from Turkey, such as identity cards, driver’s licenses, should be added to the file. If the documents are in Turkish, they must be translated into English.
3. Certificates: Documents such as marriage certificates, school diplomas, should also be included in the asylum file. These documents are considered supportive and verifying documents for the application.

The documents used in asylum applications may vary from person to person and depending on the details of the application. It is important for the application file to be supported by complete and accurate documents for evaluation.

Can I include police station and police documents in asylum applications?

Yes, you can include police station and police documents in your asylum application. If you have had issues with the police and have documents related to them, it may be beneficial to add them to your asylum file. For example, if you have been unjustly detained or assaulted and have documents to support this, you can include them in your file. However, an important point to note is that the dates provided in your asylum application must align with the dates in hospital reports. In case of any discrepancies, it is important to consult with your immigration attorney before applying to the asylum office, as inconsistencies can affect the evaluation of your application. Therefore, it is important to have a detailed discussion with your immigration attorney to ensure that you include the correct documents in your file.

Can I include my visa documents in my asylum file?

Yes, you can include your visa documents in your asylum file. Especially if you came to the U.S. as a student or with a J1 (Work and Travel) visa, it is important to add your I20 and J1 documents to your file. Additionally, if you have had different immigration statuses in the past in the U.S., you should also include documents related to those statuses in your file. If you have applications for extending tourist visas or transitioning to student status, including these documents in your file would be beneficial.

What other supporting documents can be included?

If you have social media posts related to your application and have received negative comments, you can also include these in your file. Additionally, if you have photos from events or protests you attended, including these photos in your file can be helpful. Especially if you have photos from events where you wore shirts of specific groups or carried their flags, it is important to include these in your file. These documents can support your application and help better explain your personal situation.

Can they open my suitcase and look at my documents at the airport?

When traveling to America, your suitcase may be randomly checked during customs control at the airport. During these checks, customs officers may open your suitcase and inspect its contents. If you are carrying documents related to your asylum application and they are found during these checks, it can have serious consequences. You can scan any documents that you think may serve as evidence for your asylum application and save them to your email address. The originals of these documents can be sent to your address in America by someone you trust or through courier services.