Asylum, refugee, and visa are three different terms related to immigration and migration. Find out the differences, how and where to start the process, and how to translate birth certificate and all your documents when applying.
Asylum
Asylum is a legal status granted to individuals who flee their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
To obtain asylum, an individual must apply for it in the country where they seek protection. If granted asylum, the individual is allowed to stay in the country and may eventually become a permanent resident.
Refugee status
A refugee is a person who has fled their home country due to persecution, war, or violence and has been granted refugee status by a foreign country or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Refugees are often in need of resettlement and are eligible for assistance from international organizations such as the UNHCR. Once resettled, refugees may apply for permanent residency or citizenship in their new country.
Visa
A visa is a document that allows a foreign national to enter a country for a specific purpose, such as tourism, work, or study. The requirements for obtaining a visa vary depending on the country and the type of visa requested. A visa does not guarantee entry into a country, but it allows the person to apply for entry at the port of entry (e.g., airport or border crossing).
In summary, asylum and refugee are legal statuses granted to individuals seeking protection from persecution or violence in their home countries, while a visa is a document allowing a foreign national to enter a country for a specific purpose.
Should I apply for a visa if I want asylum in the United States?
If you are seeking asylum in the United States, you should not apply for a visa. Applying for a visa implies that you plan to visit the United States temporarily for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, or education, and intend to return to your home country.
Seeking asylum, on the other hand, is a request to stay in the United States permanently because you fear persecution or harm in your home country.
To seek asylum in the United States, you must apply for asylum at a port of entry or through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within one year of your arrival in the United States. Asylum seekers are not required to have a visa to apply for asylum. Instead, they must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution or harm in their home country based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
It is important to note that seeking asylum in the United States can be a complicated and difficult process. It is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process.
How is the process to apply for asylum, refugee and visa in the US?
The process to apply for asylum, refugee status, and a visa in the United States can be complex and depends on the individual’s circumstances.
- To apply for asylum in the United States, you must meet the definition of a refugee, as defined by U.S. law. You must file your asylum application within one year of arriving in the United States, and you can do so at a U.S. port of entry or by mailing it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once you have applied for asylum, you will undergo a series of interviews to determine whether you meet the legal definition of a refugee. If your application is approved, you will be granted asylum, which allows you to live and work in the United States and eventually apply for a green card.
- If you are not yet in the United States, you can apply for refugee status through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. To be eligible for refugee status, you must meet the legal definition of a refugee and demonstrate that you are unable or unwilling to return to your home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. If your application for refugee status is approved, you will be referred to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for resettlement in the United States.
- To apply for a visa, you must first determine which type of visa you need, based on your reason for traveling to the United States. There are many different types of visas, including tourist visas, work visas, and student visas, among others. Each type of visa has its own eligibility requirements and application process. Once you have determined which type of visa you need, you must complete the application process, which typically includes filling out a form, submitting supporting documentation, and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
It’s important to note that each of these processes can be complex and require a thorough understanding of U.S. immigration law. It’s highly recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process and maximize your chances of success. The first step is the most important, look for professional translation services to translate your documents, such as Trebinaldi; find reliable immigration lawyers and read all the information before starting the process.
Which Latinamerican countries are more likely to apply for asylum today?
The countries in Latin America that are more likely to apply for asylum today are Venezuela, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
Due to the political and economic crisis in Venezuela, thousands of Venezuelans have fled their country and sought asylum in other countries. The majority of Venezuelan asylum seekers have gone to neighboring countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, but many have also sought asylum in the United States.
In recent years, Nicaragua has been facing political unrest, human rights abuses, and a deteriorating economy, which has caused many Nicaraguans to flee their country and seek asylum in neighboring countries and the United States.
Although things seem to be changing due to the government’s measures to control crime, El Salvador has been one of the most violent countries in Latin America during the last years, with high rates of gang violence, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Many Salvadorans have fled their country and sought asylum in the United States, often citing persecution by gangs and the government.
Honduras is also plagued by high rates of violence and political instability, which has led many Hondurans to leave their country.
Guatemala also faces high levels of violence and poverty, as well as political instability and corruption, which has led many Guatemalans to decide to go after a new life.
Translate birth certificate and all the documentation you need for your application
If you find yourself in any of the above situations, Trebinaldi is expert in document translation; we can help you translate birth certificate, marriage and divorce certificate, transcripts, letters of application, and any document you will need to start the process in the US Government.
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