Humanitarian Protections

Safety from Danger

• Asylum (INA § 208)
  Asylum allows you to stay in the U.S. because you are not safe in your home country. You must show past harm or a real fear of future harm because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. In most cases, you must apply within one year of arriving, though certain exceptions apply. You usually file Form I‑589, and the case is decided by USCIS or an immigration judge.

• Withholding of Removal (INA § 241(b)(3))
  This protection stops the U.S. from deporting you to a specific country where your life or freedom would likely be threatened. The legal standard is higher than asylum, and it usually does not lead to a green card by itself, but it can allow you to stay in the U.S. and request a work permit.

• CAT Protection (Convention Against Torture)
  This protection is for people who would likely be tortured by (or with the consent of) the government of a specific country. It blocks removal to that country but generally does not provide a path to a green card.

• Follow‑to‑Join for Family of Refugees/Asylees (Form I‑730)
  If you have asylum or refugee status, you may be able to bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S. without filing a brand‑new asylum case for them. There are strict relationship and timing rules.

• Green Cards for Asylees and Refugees (INA § 209)
  After holding asylum or refugee status for a required period, you may apply for a green card (Form I-485). You must pass background checks, and certain past legal or immigration issues can trigger the need for a special waiver.

• Refugee Travel Document (Form I‑131)
  Many people with asylum or refugee status must use a Refugee Travel Document to travel outside the U.S. and return safely. Travel can create complications in some cases, so we highly recommend a legal consultation before international travel.

Help for Survivors of Abuse, Crime, and Trafficking

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) (Form I‑360)
  SIJS is for certain unmarried youth under 21 in the U.S. who cannot safely reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The process requires a state juvenile court order before applying with USCIS. SIJS can provide protection from removal, work authorization, and a pathway to a green card, though it generally does not allow the youth to later petition for their parents.

• VAWA Self‑Petition (Form I‑360)
  VAWA allows certain people who were abused by a U.S. citizen or green card-holding family member to apply for status on their own, without the abuser's help or knowledge. If approved, you may later apply for a green card.

• U Visa for Crime Victims (Form I‑918)
  The U visa is for victims of certain serious crimes who suffered substantial abuse and were helpful to law enforcement. A signed certification from law enforcement is generally required. While there are long waitlists, in most cases, applicants can receive temporary status and a work permit while they wait.

• T Visa for Trafficking Victims (Form I‑914)
  The T visa is for victims of severe forms of human trafficking (sex trafficking or forced labor). You generally must show you are in the U.S. because of the trafficking and would suffer extreme hardship if removed. T status can eventually lead to a green card.

• VAWA Cancellation of Removal (INA § 240A(b)(2))
  This is a remedy available only in immigration court for some survivors in removal proceedings. You must show abuse by a qualifying relative and meet specific requirements regarding physical presence and good moral character to ask the judge for a green card.

Temporary Ways to Stay

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  TPS is a temporary program for people from certain countries when the U.S. government determines that conditions there (like war or natural disasters) make return unsafe. If you qualify and apply during the proper window, TPS can protect you from removal and allow you to work. Timelines and eligibility change and are specific to each country, so consult with a lawyer to understand your options.

• Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
  DED is a temporary stop on removals ordered by the President for certain groups. It can allow work authorization and protection from removal, but it is not a lawful status or a green card path by itself. Timelines and eligibility are specific to each country, so consult with a lawyer to understand your options.

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
  DACA provides temporary protection from removal and a work permit for certain people who came to the U.S. as children. While court orders currently block new DACA applications in most cases, current recipients can generally continue to renew their status.

• Deferred Action
  Deferred action is a discretionary decision by the government to pause a person's removal for a period of time. It is decided on a case-by-case basis and can sometimes support a work permit request.

• Humanitarian Parole (Form I‑131)
  This allows the government to permit someone to enter the U.S. for a limited time due to an urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit. It is not a visa and usually ends after a set period.

• Parole in Place (PIP) for Military Families
  PIP is a discretionary option used for certain family members of U.S. military members or veterans who are in the U.S. without admission. If granted, it can sometimes remove barriers to applying for a green card inside the United States.

• Work Permits / Employment Authorization (Form I‑765)
  An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a card issued by USCIS that proves you are allowed to work in the United States. Many immigration categories make you eligible, including pending asylum applications, TPS, DACA, certain pending adjustment of status applications, and U and T visa status, among others. You apply by filing Form I‑765 with USCIS. Work permits must be renewed before they expire. Some categories allow for automatic extensions while a timely renewal is pending.