Anyone going to or planning to go to the United States seeking protection or asylum because they are a victim of persecution should bear in mind that difficulties may arise during the development of the process that prolong the procedures and decrease patience. to avoid despair.

When applying for asylum, there are risks… and in that sense, Illinois Legalaid sums them up:

What do you suggest?: Honesty

The signature demands sincerity in the asylum application. If the government thinks you lied about important facts, they may consider your application “frivolous.”

If this is the case, you will not be able to get immigration status, even immigration status not related to asylum.

The first problem, and one that crops up quickly, is the lack of legal advice, as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not provide this advice. Photo: Istock

How to apply for asylum in the United States and who is eligible for this benefit

Five problems in asylum cases when you are in the United States

From El Nuevo Herald, we’ve put together five situations that can make applying for asylum annoying:

1. Lack of advice

The world of new laws and regulations is not easy. Let yourself be advised.

The first problem, and one that crops up quickly, is the lack of legal advice, as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not provide this advice.

Additionally, if you’re not completely fluent in English, it may be more difficult for you to understand the U.S. legal system, notes Florida’s El Nuevo Herald.

2. Remain in a “limbo” while awaiting the decision in court

Asylum applications are high and delays in the US immigration system are common.

“There are many asylum seekers who have to wait at least 10 years to hear or update their immigration status. As that happens, “they remain trapped in a statusless legal limbo, creating further uncertainty and concern.”

3. Waiting for the hearing in the immigration court

The aforementioned medium recalls USCIS’s words when it said that “you may request a hearing within 180 days of filing.”

But due to the “enormous backlog of applications”, the average waiting time has risen to more than 1,500 days! to be heard in immigration court.”

4. Lack of work

Another problem that arises in asylum cases once immigrants enter the United States comes from the Immigration Act, which “prohibits asylum seekers from legally working for 150 days after submitting their application, plus an additional 30 days to process the application unless the asylum is approved before the expiry of that period”.

What is stop the clock?

El Nuevo Herald explains that in many cases, the Court judge decides what they call “stopping the clock”: It means waiting more than six months for you to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). And the same goes for the Social Security card.

Times of legal limbo can lead to mental problems, mainly depression and anxiety. Photo: Istock

Asylum seekers in the United States must have their own interpreters from September 2023

What about young Venezuelans?

On this point, El Nuevo Herald points out that “many young people who entered on tourist visas and who have not returned to their countries for political reasons are now unable to apply for financial support from the federal government for higher education.

It is presented in those Venezuelan boys who took part in the social protests against the regime of Nicolás Maduro.

It is true that they have learned English, but they cannot work and are struggling to complete their college education and also to get a social security number.”

5. Cases of anxiety and stress

Times of legal limbo can lead to mental problems, mainly depression and anxiety. Being confronted with possible deportation causes stress.

If the process is advanced in your case, you can read here what the USCIS reports on the benefits and responsibilities of asylum seekers

With information from Illinois Legalaid and El Nuevo Herald