Refugee Application to the US

If you are outside of the United States and you would like to apply to enter as a refugee, a refugee immigration lawyer in America can help you.

As far as we can see, it is impossible for Russian citizens to enter the US at this time. I think you will agree. Please note that this office does not handle immigration matters.

Refugee application process

The UNHCR will be the institution to refer your case to the US Refugee Admissions Program. You cannot choose which country the UNHCR will refer you to, but you can indicate that you do not want your application to be considered by a particular country.

To be eligible as refugee in the US, you must be:

• Located outside of the US
• Has experienced past persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
• Is of special humanitarian concern to the US
• Is not firmly resettled in another country
• Is admissible to the US

Refugee vs. asylum

The biggest difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker is the location of the person. If you are in the United States or in any border of the United States, you can apply for asylum. To apply for asylum, you must be considered a refugee under US law. More on asylum immigration here.

If you are outside of the United States, considered a refugee under US law, living in another country that is not your country of citizenship, and have no way to get to a US border, your option is to apply as a refugee with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is an international organization.

If you would like to go to the US as a refugee, the most effective method is going to the US either under a tourist visa or without a visa, at the US border, and applying for asylum. Should you need assistance, we at the Law Offices of Albert Goodwin are here for you. We have offices in New York City, Brooklyn, NY and Queens, NY. You can call us at 212-233-1233 or send us an email at [email protected].