Applying for asylum can be a matter of life or death. That’s why a person may feel very worried when waiting for a decision. However, decisions can be a lot more complicated than just a “yes” or “no.” According to U.S. immigration law, a person living in Louisiana could receive a number of different decisions. Here are just some of the possible results.
A grant of asylum is what asylum seekers are usually hoping for. This decision means that a person is eligible for asylum, and the decision is considered indefinite. It is possible that a grant of asylum can be terminated, though. A grant of asylum can be terminated for several different reasons. For example, if another country grants protection to a person or if the individual no longer have a legitimate fear of being persecuted in his or her home country.
Sometimes a person who applies for asylum is referred to appear in immigration court. This happens when the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — the USCIS — cannot approve an application, and the person who applied does not have a valid status. This is not a denial. An immigration judge will consider the asylum seeker’s information and make a decision from there.
If authorities decide that a person seeking asylum does not qualify, they will mail him or her a Notice of Intent to Deny. This letter will tell the person why he or she is being denied. The asylum seeker has 16 days to submit new evidence or a rebuttal to the decision. An asylum officer will review any rebuttals and then either approve or deny the claims. If denied, a person will receive a Final Denial.
Even if an asylum seeker desperately wants to stay in his or her own home country, legitimate fears of persecution can make that impossible. Understanding the process of asylum and the different decisions a person could receive is important for finding a safe environment in which to live. Speaking to an experienced attorney in Louisiana can be helpful for anyone who is confused by the asylum process, asylum decisions or other aspects of U.S. immigration law.