Refugee Admission and Asylum Protection

Unfortunately, fleeing war is not a sufficient qualification for refugee status in the United States. It will be very difficult for individuals who cannot demonstrate past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution in Ukraine because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion to qualify as a refugee under U.S. immigration law. But if you believe you have a legal basis to file for asylum, it will be best to speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation. Currently, the process of applying for asylum can take 3-4 years or more. Read more

The U.S. defines “refugees” as persons who flee their home country and are unable to return because they have experienced past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. They must prove that the harm is from the government of their home country, or, from some person or group that the government of their home country cannot protect them from. The persecution must also be significant, such as unlawful or political detention, torture, violation of human rights, physical violence, or some type of severe non-physical harm. Read more