Asylum Script

After being granted asylum, there are important things to know. You may be eligible for new benefits and services, such as financial and medical assistance. You can apply for a green card, which is necessary for becoming a U.S. citizen. It's recommended to consult a lawyer before applying. You can also get an unrestricted Social Security card and apply for asylum for eligible family members outside the U.S. Traveling outside the U.S. can have negative consequences, so legal advice is crucial. If you move, inform USCIS of your new address, and if you're a male aged 18 to 26, register for the U.S. Selective Service. Seek assistance from a lawyer for the next steps. Eight things to know after you get asylum. Congratulations on being granted asylum. Asylum is an important and exciting step in your journey. It gives you many advantages and also some responsibilities. So what should you do next? Here's a list of eight important things you need to know after receiving asylum. Number one, you may be eligible to receive new or additional benefits and services. Benefits for asylees may include financial, medical, and employment assistance. Many benefits are available only for a limited time, so you should apply right away after your asylum is granted. Contact your resettlement agency for more information. Number two, you are eligible to apply for a green card. You are not required to apply for a green card, but there are good reasons to have one. For example, getting a green card is required to become a U.S. citizen. Green card status, also known as lawful permanent residency, is more secure than asylum status. Asylum is granted indefinitely, but there are reasons it can be terminated, such as changed conditions in Afghanistan. Also, if your family status changes while you are an asylee, you may become ineligible to apply for a green card later. Number three, it's best to consult a lawyer about the timing of your green card application. There are risks associated with applying for your green card too quickly after receiving asylum. It's best to ask a lawyer for advice about when, how, and the cost to apply. Number four, you are eligible for an unrestricted Social Security card. Once you are an asylee, you can apply for an unrestricted Social Security card, even if you already have a restricted card. This is helpful for employment authorization and more. You can apply in person at any Social Security office. Number five, you can apply for asylum for eligible family members outside the U.S. If your legal spouse and unmarried children under age 21 were overseas when you filed for asylum and were included in your asylum application, you can now file Form I-730 to start the process of family reunification in the United States. If you have already filed the Afghan Family Reunification Form DS-4317 as a parolee, you may still file I-730 forms for relatives listed on your asylum application. The process is complicated, so it's best to consult a lawyer to assist you. Number six, traveling outside of the United States is possible, but could have a negative impact on your status. Because traveling can affect your case, it's very important that you seek legal advice before making travel plans. As an asylee, you should not travel to your country of persecution. Travel to Afghanistan may be the basis for the U.S. government to terminate your asylum status. Also, during your first year of asylum, travel outside the U.S. can count against the one year of physical presence in the U.S. required to get a green card. If travel outside the U.S. is unavoidable, asylees must gain permission by filing for and receiving a refugee travel document, Form I-131, before leaving the U.S. Asylees should use only this refugee travel document when traveling, rather than documents, including passports, from their country of persecution. Number seven, if you move, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days. This is to make sure that you receive all important case documents. You can update your address easily via your USCIS online account, or by submitting Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address. And number eight, if you are a male and aged 18 to 26, you should make sure that you are registered for the U.S. Selective Service. The Selective Service is the U.S. military draft. Currently, the U.S. draft is inactive, and the U.S. military is all volunteer. Registration is still mandatory, and failure to register for the Selective Service can negatively affect your ability to apply for citizenship later. Registration can be completed online at the Selective Service website. Again, congratulations on receiving asylum, an important milestone on your immigration journey. Number nine, let a lawyer assist you as you take the next steps. ILSA provides free immigration legal assistance to eligible Afghans in the U.S. in your native language, including Dari and Pashto. Call ILSA toll-free at 833-286-0864 or email ilsainfo at icf.com I-L-S-A-A-I-N-F-O at icf.com