In the United States of America, there are several legal pathways for refugees from Russia and CIS countries to obtain legal status, providing an opportunity to start a new life in safety and dignity. However, many are unaware of the existing programs and possibilities. In this article, we will explore the main avenues of legalization and provide information about services that assist in this process.
Asylum
The asylum program in the USA is designed for individuals who fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political views, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees from Russia and CIS countries facing persecution on any of these grounds may be granted asylum in the USA.
Statistics: According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in 2020, over 21,000 grants of asylum were provided.
Source: USCIS: Asylum Statistics
Refugee Resettlement Program
This program is intended for individuals located outside the USA who require protection. It allows refugees to obtain refugee status even before arriving in the USA and begin the legalization process. The Refugee Resettlement Program is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the U.S. government.
Statistics: According to IOM data, in 2020, over 20,000 refugees were resettled in the USA through the Refugee Resettlement Program.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Parole
The Parole program enables individuals in extreme situations to temporarily enter the USA. This can be beneficial for those who do not have refugee status but need safety and protection.
Statistics: Data on the number of parole grants are not publicly available, but USCIS regularly updates information on the status of applications.
Source: USCIS: Parole
Family Immigration
For refugees already in the USA, family immigration can be another path to legalization. If a family member of the refugee can prove familial relations and the corresponding status, they can apply for family reunification and obtain a green card.
Statistics: According to USCIS, in 2020, over 500,000 green cards were issued through the family immigration program.
Source: USCIS: Family Immigration
Refugee Visa Program
This program provides an opportunity for individuals located outside the USA and in need of protection to immigrate to the USA through a special refugee visa program.
Statistics: According to the U.S. Department of State, in 2020, over 11,000 refugees were resettled in the USA through the Refugee Visa Program.
Source: U.S. Department of State: Refugee Visa Program
Additional Method: Crossing the Mexico-US Border
Another method of legalization in the USA, often used by refugees from Russia and CIS countries, is attempting to cross the border with Mexico illegally and then applying for asylum. However, it should be noted that this is an illegal method of entry and its use carries the risk of arrest, deportation, and other negative consequences.
Speed and Reliability of Different Legalization Methods
- Asylum: The asylum application process can take from several months to several years. The reliability of this method depends on how well-documented and substantiated the asylum claims are.
- Refugee Resettlement Program: The resettlement process typically takes from 18 months to 2 years. The reliability of this method is high, as refugees are granted refugee status even before their arrival in the USA.
- Parole: The decision on a parole request can take from several months to a year. The reliability of this method depends on the circumstances on which the parole is requested.
- Family Immigration: The waiting time for family reunification can vary from several months to several years depending on the type of family relationship.
- Refugee Visa Program: The process of obtaining a refugee visa typically takes 1 to 2 years. The reliability of this method is high, as the program is strictly regulated and conducted through international organizations.
The choice of legalization method in the USA for refugees from Russia and CIS countries depends on their individual circumstances, needs, and capabilities. It is important to approach this issue with understanding and attention to the law to ensure a safe and reliable status for oneself and one’s family in the new country.