Humanitarian Relief
Protection When Returning Home Is Not an Option
The United States offers several forms of humanitarian relief to individuals who are unable to safely return to their home country because of persecution, country conditions, armed conflict, natural disasters, or other qualifying circumstances.
Attorney Stephanie Dyson helps individuals evaluate the humanitarian protections that may be available based on their unique circumstances. Determining eligibility begins with a careful review of each person's immigration history, supporting documentation, and the legal requirements for the specific form of relief being sought.
Understanding Humanitarian Relief
Humanitarian relief is available through several different immigration programs, depending on an individual's circumstances and eligibility.
This may include:
-
Asylum
-
Refugee Matters
-
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
-
Relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for certain battered spouses and children of U.S. citizens
-
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
-
Humanitarian Parole
-
T Visas
-
U Visas
Every form of humanitarian relief has its own eligibility requirements, filing procedures, and supporting documentation.
Asylum
Individuals who are already present in the United States may apply for asylum if they suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution in their home country based on:
-
Race
-
Religion
-
Nationality
-
Membership in a particular social group
-
Political opinion
Generally, asylum applications must be filed within one year of entering the United States, although exceptions to the one-year filing deadline do exist.
Asylum cases require substantial supporting evidence. One of the most common misconceptions is that very little documentation is needed. In reality, evidence supporting the claim, together with evidence of country conditions and biographical documentation, is an important part of the application process.
After filing, applicants are generally scheduled for either an interview with an Asylum Officer or a hearing before an Immigration Judge.
Refugee Matters
Refugee status differs from asylum because refugee applications are made from outside the United States.
Attorney Dyson assists refugees who are seeking to obtain lawful permanent residence after being granted refugee status.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian benefit available to eligible nationals of certain countries who are already physically present in the United States and are unable to safely return to their home country because of armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other temporary conditions.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the country designated for TPS and other qualifying criteria.
TPS does not lead directly to a green card. However, individuals who receive TPS typically also apply for employment authorization, allowing them to work while the benefit remains in effect.
In some situations, individuals with TPS may travel if they first obtain Advance Parole.
How Dyson Law Can Help You
Determining whether humanitarian relief is available begins with understanding your individual circumstances
Attorney Stephanie Dyson carefully reviews each case to determine which forms of relief may apply based on the applicable eligibility requirements.
Dyson Law will review your:
-
Biographical documents
-
Immigration history
-
Supporting evidence
-
Evidence of country conditions
Every case is unique, and selecting the appropriate form of humanitarian relief depends on the specific facts of the case. If you believe you may qualify for humanitarian relief or are unsure which form of protection may apply to your circumstances, Attorney Stephanie Dyson can review your immigration history, evaluate your eligibility, and discuss the options that may be available. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
Is Humanitarian Relief Right for You?
You may wish to schedule a consultation if:
-
You are afraid to return to your home country.
-
You cannot safely return because of country conditions or a natural disaster.
-
You believe you may qualify for asylum.
-
You have been granted refugee status and wish to apply for a green card.
-
You believe you may qualify for Temporary Protected Status.
-
You need help determining which form of humanitarian relief may apply to your circumstances.
Every form of relief has different requirements.
Each form of relief has its own legal requirements, eligibility criteria, and supporting documentation.
Documentation is important.
Successful humanitarian applications require careful preparation and substantial supporting evidence. Depending on the type of relief sought, this may include biographical documents, evidence supporting the claim, and evidence of country conditions.
Timing may matter.
Some forms of humanitarian relief have important filing deadlines. For example, asylum applications generally must be filed within one year of entering the United States, although exceptions may apply.
