Can Asylum Applicants Travel?
In recent months, the risk of being detained as an asylum applicant while traveling even within the United States has increased significantly. If you have a pending application for asylum, you’re advised to carry proof of your status with you at all times, including if you choose to travel within the country. If you are seeking asylum, however, you are strongly advised not to travel outside of the United States. Immigration cases are notoriously complicated, and asylum cases can be even more so. Discuss your concerns with our experienced Royal Oak, Michigan, immigration attorneys at Just Right Law today.
Traveling to Your Home Country
If you are applying for asylum and you travel to your home country, your asylum case can be and is more likely to be denied. Asylum cases are challenging in the best of circumstances, which highlights the importance of erring on the side of caution while your application is pending. Ultimately, it is not a good idea for an asylum applicant to return to their country of origin, and taking this concern seriously is in your best interest.
Traveling to a Country Other than Your Home Country
If you need to travel to a country other than your home country, you may be able to do so, but you should know that there are risks involved. When determining whether you should travel during the asylum application process, it’s important to balance the risk with the need involved. If you can avoid travel outside the U.S., you’re advised to skip it.
Considerations to keep in mind regarding travel to a country other than your country of origin include the following:
- You are at risk of arrest or detention upon returning to the United States.
- Travel restrictions change frequently, which increases the related risks.
Advance Parole
If you need to leave the U.S. and want to continue pursuing asylum, you’ll need to apply for advance parole through the United States government prior to leaving. Without advance parole, your asylum case is very likely to be denied.
Obtaining advance parole, however, is challenging, and it doesn’t guarantee that you will be allowed to reenter the United States. In other words, the risks associated with travel while pursuing asylum can far outweigh any benefits. You need the professional legal counsel of a trusted immigration lawyer in your corner from the outset.
Turn to Our Experienced Royal Oak Immigration Lawyers for the Help You Need
The hazards associated with traveling while you are applying for asylum in the U.S. are all too real, and the asylum process is challenging enough without the added risk. Working closely with our knowledgeable Royal Oak, Michigan, immigration attorneys at Just Right Law can help you weigh your options and make the right decisions for you moving forward. We care about you and your case, so please don’t put off reaching out for more information about everything we can do to help by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 248-519-2313 today.