Russians Seeking United States Asylum
Under U.S. law, the United States may grant asylum only to aliens who are already in the United States or are seeking entry into the United States at a port of entry. Once an individual obtains asylum in the United States, the individual can invite his or her spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States. Every year people come to the United States seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution due to: Race, Religion, Nationality, Membership in a particular social group, or Political opinion. Notably, since Russia banned the spread of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” among minors, effectively making it a crime to distribute material on gay rights, many people have successfully sought asylum in the United States under threat of unjust persecution.
Permission to Work in the United States
You cannot apply for permission to work (employment authorization) in the United States at the same time you apply for asylum, however, you may apply for employment authorization after 150 days have passed since you filed your complete application, and no decision has been made on your application.
Bringing Your Family to the United States
If you are granted asylum you may petition to bring your spouse and children to the United States. However, to include your child on your application, the child must be under 21 and unmarried. You must also file the petition within two years of being granted asylum unless there are humanitarian reasons to excuse this deadline.
Filing for Permanent Residence (Green Card)
You may apply for a green card one year after being granted asylum. To apply for a green card, file a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status. You must submit a separate I-485 application packet for yourself and, if applicable, for each family member who received derivative asylum based on your case.
Buda Law Group proudly represents multiple asylum clients every year and has a long record of successful cases. Please give us a call as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances.
John B. Buda, Esq. www.budalawgroup.net office: 310-452-1872 john.buda@budalawgroup.net 3301 Ocean Park Blvd. Suite 205 Santa Monica, CA 90405
