Seeking Citizenship Through Political Asylum

Individuals seeking political asylum in the United States may be the victims of temporary or ongoing unrest in their countries. They may be the objects of torture or coercive population control. Many anticipate going back to their original countries of citizenship, but others who are in danger for their personal safety will be unwilling or unable to return.

Aliens who leave family members behind and wish to reunite with them in America may be seeking a more permanent haven than the 1-year asylum period allows.

Those who do not expect the political atmosphere in their countries to change and who decide to establish a new home can pursue legal permanent resident (LPR) status. Among them, those who find an affinity with American social and political policies and wish to take part in the democratic process can take steps to become citizens.

It all begins with a successful political asylum case. An experienced immigration attorney can help aliens who flee their countries to apply for protection, and begin the transition to American citizenship.

Demonstrating Good Intentions

Many foreign nationals worldwide want to become American citizens and enjoy the employment, education and other benefits of life in the U.S. Citizenship, however, carries personal power that affects the political management of the country. Because this power is subject to abuse by unscrupulous immigrants, certain conditions must be met in order to acquire it.

Time, work, knowledge and other requirements prove that an applicant for U.S. citizenship is honoring a commitment to the USA. Political asylees create a record demonstrating their efforts to meet these criteria when they first petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for political protection.

Since immigration law is complicated, it is important to speak with an immigration attorney who specializes in USA immigration law before making any hasty decisions.

Whether you are a student, professional, or a potential immigrant, Whocanisue.com can help you find an experienced immigration attorney to help you in the process of obtaining the correct travel, study, immigration or work visa.

Asylum seekers who intend to pursue citizenship should:

Be truthful on their applications for asylum, employment permission and residency status adjustments
Enlist the services of an immigration lawyer to best present their cases
Show up for all requested appearances on time
Begin to learn English as soon as possible

During the yearlong asylum period, residency rights and protections can be terminated if aliens commit select crimes or attain asylum from another country, or if the political climate changes significantly in their countries of origin.
Legal permanent resident status also has conditions, but has fewer restrictions than asylee status. Individuals in either of these groups who are accused of crimes should seek the advice of their immigration attorney as well as a criminal lawyer.

In addition to staying out of trouble and following the laws and special regulations for asylees, learning to speak English, if it is not already known, enables aliens to prepare to meet citizenship requirements down the road.

Adjusting to Citizen Status

An immigration attorney can help asylees adjust their residency status, first to legal permanent resident, and then to naturalized citizen. The first occurs directly after the year of asylum. When LPR status is gained, there is a 5-year waiting period before the resident is eligible to file for naturalization. This period benefits both the resident and the government.

United States officials have an interest in witnessing a prospective citizen’s behavior over time. On the naturalization application, they will request places of residence, education and employment. Demonstrating consistent efforts in these areas reflects the qualities of a good American citizen. Persistent residency in the U.S. shows that an applicant does not bear allegiance to another country, possibly one with conflicting interests.

The waiting period benefits LPRs by giving them ample time to amass the skills and knowledge needed to meet naturalization requirements. These include knowing basic facts about America’s history and political system, and being able to speak and write in English. An immigration lawyer facilitates naturalization for asylees who achieve LPR status.

It is important to speak with an immigration attorney who specializes in USA naturalization and immigration law before starting the process of applying for a legal U.S. residency.

Whocanisue.com can help you find an experienced immigration attorney in your area to assist you with immigration laws, how to apply for residency, and what to expect during the application process.