10 Pasos Clave: Después de Ganar el Asilo, ¿Qué Sigue?

Introduction

While many asylees feel that the challenges of their status have been too much to handle, the promise of hope and opportunity to start over in the U.S. can overwhelm the newly recognized asylee. Yet, as the individual sets out on this new journey, there are steps that can be taken to build a strong foundation for the future of the asylee. In this article, newly recognized asylees and others will learn of ten steps that can be taken to ensure that the asylee makes the most of their new life in the U.S. and is able to successfully navigate the many challenges of their status.

Understand Your Asylum Status and Rights

In summary, for asylees granted asilo in the US, the transition to their new life can be very challenging and often very complex. Importantly, asylees have several Rights. They have the Right to:

1. reside in the U.S. legally;
2. work in the U.S. legally;
3. seek the reunification of family members who are citizens and/or lawful permanent residents of the U.S.; and
4. public benefits under U.S. law, etc.

The rights you need to remember in an emergency such as being encountered by ICE or being placed under arrest for a crime:

• You have the right to remain silent.
• You have the right to request an attorney immediately.
• Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a warrant signed by a judge.

At Vasquez Law Firm, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle any emergency that may arise. Contact us today to receive a FREE CONSULTATION to review your case and find out what rights you have as an asylee.

Obtain Necessary Documentation and Work Authorization

As many asylum seekers can attest, the process to apply for asylum can be arduous. But once an asylum seeker has been granted approval for asylum, he or she will need to apply for a work permit to be able to seek work in the U.S. The application for a work permit for an asylum grantee is completed using Form I-765. Approval of the Form I-765 application can take anywhere from 12-18 months. Therefore, individuals seeking to start their lives in the U.S. as soon as possible will need to apply for approval of a work permit very early in their application for approval of asylum.

For those in North Carolina and Florida, where many asylum seekers are currently trying to survive, there has been an increase in recent years in the processing of their immigration applications, including their applications for asylum. Currently, those who are granted asylum must wait one year from the date their asylum application was granted before they can apply for a work permit and submit their Form I-765 application for authorization to work in the U.S.

Work authorization for legal permanent residents, and especially for individuals that have been granted asylum, is a very complex process. Work authorization for asylum applicants is processed through the Form I-765 application and approval of the Form I-765 can take up to 12-18 months to process from the date of receipt by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These processes are subject to change, and we strongly advise everyone to thoroughly prepare for the work authorization process and keep track of any changes that may occur to the process. Our experienced immigration lawyer is able to guide our clients through the entire process to ensure all required documents are properly prepared and submitted in a timely manner. At Vasquez Law Firm, we have many free services to assist our immigrant clients, including:

• Free initial consultation
• Flexible payment plans
• 24 hour services
• Bilingual law services in order to remove language as a barrier to justice and serve our clients’ best interests in obtaining legal status.

Connect with Local Immigrant Support Organizations

New immigrants to North Carolina and Florida are frequently confused by the complex procedures to establish residency in a new state. In addition to helping with procedures to establish residency, organizations assisting immigrants now also provide legal assistance, job training and even language classes to assist in their search for other resources the immigrant needs to establish themselves in their new home.

The Center for New North Carolinians (CNNC) serves over 2,100 immigrants and refugees and gives them the tools to become self-sufficient through community-based programs and services in order to empower them to become productive members of North Carolina communities. The Immigrant Solidarity Fund helps support families in crisis by giving direct cash to help families in immediate need of help during an unexpected crisis. The fund has given almost $1,100,000 in aid to support these families.

One long-term community member, and mother of US citizen children, received a microgrant from the fund to pay off back rent to prevent imminent eviction. She was able to use the grant to stabilize her situation and build a foundation for her long-term success.

Supporting new immigrants in Florida means connecting them with essential services to help them become successful new members of their new community. These organizations and community resources act as a support system for the newcomer and their family, enabling them to become part of the community while improving their overall quality of life.

Connecting with organizations that provide services for the newcomer can also connect the individual with a community who stands with them along the way.

Seek Legal Representation for Ongoing Immigration Matters

Retain an experienced immigration attorney for future immigration applications, including a green card application or family reunification application. Our immigration attorneys at Vasquez Law Firm have over a century of combined experience in helping clients obtain legal status.

At Vasquez Law Firm, we prepare our clients for future applications by offering:

• Free initial consultations
• Affordable payment plans

This makes the services of immigration attorneys affordable for hardworking families and individuals.

Vasquez Law Firm is a 24/7 law firm. We are available to handle applications on short notice. We are able to communicate with our clients in English and Spanish to best serve the cultures of our clients.

We care about our clients’ futures and will work hard to obtain the best results for you.

Establish a Stable Living Situation

Finding an affordable place to live in a new community can be challenging for newly arrived immigrants. Several organizations such as the Partnership to End Homelessness and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency can provide financial assistance to newly arrived immigrants as well as resources to newly arrived immigrants and others searching for apartments in new communities. Recently arrived immigrants should also learn about the tenant rights and the various housing laws of their new community in order to better protect themselves against unfair treatment by landlords. Establishing oneself in a new, stable house is crucial to establishing oneself in a new community.

For FY 2026, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in Orange County would be $1,711 per month, with the required income to afford rent of $68,440 for a two-bedroom apartment. The low-income limits for Durham-Chapel Hill area are:

1. $44,500 for a one-person household
2. $50,850 for a two-person household

Vasquez Law Firm works diligently to serve our clients with affordable legal representation. Because many of our clients are bilingual, we can assist our newly arrived immigrant clients with language problems as well. We work with our clients to establish a payment plan to best suit their needs. The Vasquez Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means that clients will never have to worry about being able to pay for their legal services while they are recovering from their injuries. The attorneys at Vasquez Law Firm are committed to assisting our clients in transitioning to their new community, and we work hard to help our clients achieve their future goals.

Understand and Access Healthcare Services

Asylees and their family members may be eligible for Medicaid or other health care services in North Carolina for up to 7 years, after admission to the U.S. as an asylee. In the near future, changes are planned that will affect the granting of Medicaid to asylees in North Carolina and how health care services can be accessed in your community.

Under the current laws, asylees are eligible for Medicaid for 7 years after entering the country. In addition to being able to apply for Medicaid, asylees can also receive services from many local health departments as well as from many health centers that provide mental health services for people that have experienced trauma.

There are many examples of individuals and organizations reaching out to asylees to provide them with appropriate medical care. We can learn from their efforts and develop our own efforts at outreach and establishing good relationships with asylees and their health care providers.

Look for organizations in your new community that specifically advocate for health care services for new arrivals to the country. They can tell you what services are available and help make arrangements for the health care services that you need.

Enroll in Language and Cultural Integration Programs

Many foreign-born adults are utilizing free or low-cost English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at local colleges to connect with the community around them. At AB Tech, there are 385 active students in English classes. In the state of North Carolina, adult education programs served over 41,000 individuals in fiscal year 2022. Of those 41,000+ individuals served, over 10,736 spoke Spanish as their native language. Kenna Sommer, Director of Transitional Studies for AB Tech, said her students are “silent workers” of English while they are working full-time and taking care of their families and that progress is slow but they are working toward it.

This is, in addition to learning the English language, how new residents of an area can also learn about customs and how to handle an emergency as well as how to handle their financial responsibilities. The presentations are held on an ongoing basis and much support is given by volunteers to cater to the many and very diverse clients of the local resettlement agencies. Everyone feels welcome and supported by all the resources available to help them to settle in their new home.

In addition to these programs that offer support to the foreign-born in the state of Florida while they are transitioning to their new home, there are many more that recently arrived immigrants can join to connect with others of similar background and to promote their own success in the U.S. The foreign-born individual will learn many important aspects of their new home as well as the rights and responsibilities that will apply to the foreign-born individual. However, a recently introduced bill, HR 1, may negatively impact some of these programs as well as affect the level of funding for them.

Explore Employment Opportunities

Job hunting can be one of the biggest headaches after moving to a new country. We have compiled some local job postings, community resources and industry specific networking events. Many North Carolina asylees have found employment in the growing healthcare, construction and hospitality industries. Foreign workers also bring their skills to enhance the labor force of their prime working years in various industries in urban Florida areas. Their skills are very valuable to Florida’s economy.

In order to fully protect your rights, it is equally important for foreign workers to know the labor laws in order to better defend any unfair treatment on the job. Many local immigrant support organizations provide resources to recent arrivals searching for work as well as addressing the many different needs and concerns of the foreign workforce. As your lawyers, we are dedicated to serving the needs of foreign workers and are able to represent them in their job search for fair and equitable treatment.

We have helped many foreign workers in similar circumstances and are able to offer a variety of different payment plans in order to afford legal representation for those who cannot otherwise pay for such services. Foreign workers have complete access to their assigned attorneys throughout the entire process and are represented by highly experienced and knowledgeable foreign worker attorneys. We are able to communicate with our foreign worker clients in bilingual services in order to remove any language barrier that may exist.

By becoming involved in your local community, you can find employment and have your contributions to that job be valued as well as taking advantage of the many resources already in existence to assist in your search for employment and in addressing the many different needs and concerns of the foreign workforce.

Build a Social Network and Community Connections

Many immigrants arrive to a foreign land with little support to fall back on. Joining a local group or organization of people from your country of origin can be a great way to build a support network. Connecting with others who have experienced a similar move can be very uplifting. For over 10 years the Center for New North Carolinians (CNNC) has been serving over 150-200 families per year to assist with their integration to our society and to overcome the challenges of living in a foreign country.

Charlotte is a Certified Welcoming City. As a Certified Welcoming City, all residents of Charlotte can be assured that they will have equal access to the programs, services and benefits offered by the city. A core requirement of the Welcoming Cities requirements and additional goals to serve a variety of visitors and residents from many different populations are also continually being met.

By joining a local organization such as a new language cooking class or helping to organize a cultural festival to introduce people in the community to your culture, you can learn more about the culture of your host city and help to inform long time residents of your culture as well as help to understand each other’s ways of life in order to help bring about acceptance of immigrants in the Charlotte community. By participating in civic engagement, we can work together to make Charlotte a better place for us and future immigrants.

Your social network or circle of contacts is so much more than just a group of friends. Your social network is your support system helping you to not only thrive in your new community but also in your overall well-being as an immigrant to this country. Reaching out to establish contacts and building a community to support you is key to ensuring a successful journey for both you and your family.

Stay Informed About Immigration Policies and Changes

Understanding U.S. Immigration Policy is a constantly changing landscape and the laws affecting Immigration Applications for individuals from 39 different countries are scheduled to change in 2026. There are special provisions affecting the applications of Dreamers and family members of Dreamers seeking permanent residency.

If you are following the news regarding DACA applications and approvals, it is also very important to know your rights as an individual from abroad and how they will compare to the rights you are used to in your country of origin. What are your rights should you get into trouble with the law or be contacted by ICE? You have the right to remain silent and to an attorney of your choice.

We urge our viewers to take advantage of a local FREE Webinar ‘Navigating U.S. Immigration Today‘ as well as seeking the advice of an Immigration Attorney so you can best prepare for the changes in store for you and your loved ones.

At Vasquez Law Firm, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to represent you with all Immigration Matters as well as Personal Injury Cases. We would be happy to schedule a FREE initial consultation to go over the details of your case and explain how we can best represent you.

Conclusion

While getting asylum granted is a big moment and time to start rebuilding your life, there is more to being an asylee than just celebrating that moment and beginning to rebuild your life as an asylee in the US.

To rebuild your life as an asylee after winning asylum you need to understand more about being an asylee and starting your life in the US. An important starting point is your rights as an asylee and you getting a work permit as early as possible. In addition, you will need the help of many organizations supporting immigrants. You will also want to have good legal representation on future immigration matters. Lastly, you will want to connect with other people including updated information on current developments in US and global immigration policy in order to survive and thrive in your new country.

So, after asylum has been granted, there are many steps that can be taken to start to thrive in the US as an asylee. First and foremost, it is so important to make use of all the help and resources available and to get the best qualified immigration lawyers on board as soon as possible to clarify all of your rights and to go through the whole system of US immigration. With a bit of determination and the support of family, friends and a community, there’s no reason why an individual granted asylum can’t go on to build a wonderful life here in the US and for their loved ones too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rights do asylees have in the U.S.?

Asylees have the right to reside and work legally in the U.S., seek family reunification with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and access public benefits under U.S. law.

What should asylees do in an emergency involving ICE or an arrest?

In an emergency, asylees have the right to remain silent, request an attorney immediately, and should not open their door unless ICE presents a warrant signed by a judge.

How can asylees obtain work authorization in the U.S.?

Asylees must apply for a work permit using Form I-765 after their asylum application is granted. They must wait one year from the date of their asylum approval to submit this application.

How long does it take to process the work permit application for asylees?

The approval of the Form I-765 application can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months from the date of receipt by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What services does Vasquez Law Firm offer to assist immigrants?

Vasquez Law Firm offers free initial consultations, flexible payment plans, 24-hour services, and bilingual legal services to assist clients in navigating the legal process.

What local organizations support immigrants in North Carolina and Florida?

Organizations like the Center for New North Carolinians (CNNC) and the Immigrant Solidarity Fund provide legal assistance, job training, language classes, and financial aid to help immigrants establish themselves in their new communities.

How does the Immigrant Solidarity Fund assist families in crisis?

The Immigrant Solidarity Fund provides direct cash assistance to families in immediate need, helping them during unexpected crises, such as preventing eviction.

Why is it important for immigrants to connect with local support organizations?

Connecting with local support organizations helps immigrants access essential services, build community connections, and improve their overall quality of life as they establish themselves in their new home.

List of Sources

1. Understand Your Asylum Status and Rights
   • Asylum in the United States - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/asylum-united-states)
   • How are laws changing for asylum seekers? (https://asaptogether.org/en/law-changes)
   • In Blow to Asylum Rights, Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Block Asylum Seekers at Border (https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/in-blow-to-asylum-rights-supreme-court-allows-trump-administration-to-block-asylum-seekers-at-border)
   • Refugee Rights and the Midterm Elections (https://hias.org/refugee-rights-and-midterm-elections)
   • Five Things to Know About the Right to Seek Asylum (https://aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/five-things-to-know-about-the-right-to-seek-asylum)
2. Obtain Necessary Documentation and Work Authorization
   • The Hard Truth: This New Rule Could Hurt Asylum Applicants by Making It Harder and Longer to Apply for Work Permit After Asylum (https://shepelskylaw.com/new-dhs-rule-would-make-it-harder-for-asylum-seekers-to-get-employment-authorization-what-you-need-to-know)
   • I-765 Processing Time: 12.3–16.9 Months (average) (September 2026) (https://immigrationtimes.org/forms/i-765)
   • Major Changes to Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers - Immigration Law & Removal Defense Blog (https://immigration.bmdllc.com/2026/04/01/major-changes-to-work-authorization-for-asylum-seekers)
   • Recent Federal Changes to Employment Authorization - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/employment-authorization-changes)
   • I-765 Processing Time 2026 - EAD Work Permit Wait Times (https://workvisa.guide/blog/i-765-processing-time-2026)
3. Connect with Local Immigrant Support Organizations
   • CWS Greensboro | Welcoming Refugees and Immigrants (https://cwsgreensboro.org)
   • CWS Durham's Immigrant Solidarity Fund - CWS (https://cwsglobal.org/stories/supporting-immigrant-communities-church-world-service-durhams-immigrant-solidarity-fund)
   • Immigrant Solidarity Fund | CWS Durham (https://cwsdurham.org/isf)
   • The Center for New North Carolinians | The Center for New North Carolinians (https://cnnc.uncg.edu)
   • Community Organizations | undocucarolina (https://undocucarolina.unc.edu/applying/local-organizations)
4. Seek Legal Representation for Ongoing Immigration Matters
   • Advocates and Lawmakers Rally to Demand Right to Counsel In… (https://vera.org/newsroom/advocates-and-lawmakers-rally-to-demand-right-to-counsel-in-immigration-court-and-150m-for-legal-services-funding)
   • Access to Counsel in Immigration Court - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/access-counsel-immigration-court)
   • NEWS: Sen. Schiff Introduces Bill Providing Right to Legal Representation for Individuals Facing Deportation, Legal Immigration Proceedings (https://schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-introduces-bill-providing-right-to-legal-representation-for-individuals-facing-deportation-legal-immigration-proceedings)
   • Do You Need a Lawyer in Immigration Court? Why Representation Improves Outcomes (https://learimmigration.com/do-you-need-a-lawyer-in-immigration-court-why-representation-improves-outcomes)
   • Too Few Immigration Attorneys: Average Representation Rates Fall from 65% To 30% (https://tracreports.org/reports/736)
5. Establish a Stable Living Situation
   • NC Housing Snapshot | NCHFA (https://nchfa.com/about-us/research-reporting-and-policy/nc-housing-snapshot)
   • Creating Affordable Housing Opportunities for North Carolinians | NCHFA (https://nchfa.com)
   • North Carolina No. 4 for inbound migration amid housing crisis (https://carolinajournal.com/north-carolina-no-4-for-inbound-migration-amid-housing-crisis)
   • Affordable Housing 101 | Orange County, NC (https://orangecountync.gov/1083/Affordable-Housing-101)
6. Understand and Access Healthcare Services
   • Refugees and Asylees: Recent Changes in Access to Health Coverage and Other Assistance  | KFF (https://kff.org/immigrant-health/refugees-and-asylees-recent-changes-in-access-to-health-coverage-and-other-assistance)
   • Implementation of Medicaid Immigrant Eligibility Restrictions Under the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Issues to Consider | KFF (https://kff.org/immigrant-health/implementation-of-medicaid-immigrant-eligibility-restrictions-under-the-2025-reconciliation-law-issues-to-consider)
   • Noncitizens’ Access to Health Care (https://congress.gov/crs-product/R47351)
   • Immigrant Access to Health Care and Nutrition Programs (https://ncjustice.org/projects/immigrant-refugee-rights/project-resources/immigrant-health)
   • Medicaid Policy Explainer: Implications for Refugee and Immigrant Communities - USCRI (https://refugees.org/medicaid-policy-explainer-september-2026)
7. Enroll in Language and Cultural Integration Programs
   • Adult English classes in North Carolina continue with an uncertain future. (https://enlacelatinonc.org/en/English-classes-for-adults-in-North-Carolina-continue-with-an-uncertain-future.)
   • State leaders commit to new funding strategies to sustain refugee, immigrant integration amid federal cuts | The IRC (https://rescue.org/press-release/state-leaders-commit-new-funding-strategies-refugee-integration)
   • Two NC members of Congress push federal support for foreign language education (https://carolinapublicpress.org/80324/two-nc-members-of-congress-push-federal-support-for-foreign-language-education)
   • Refugee Integration Programs: Building Stronger Communities in the United States - The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) (https://icmc.net/2025/11/26/refugee-integration-programs-building-stronger-communities-in-the-united-states)
   • Cultural Orientation: Helping Refugees and Immigrants Adapt to the U.S. While Maintaining Their Identity (https://iine.org/2026/09/cultural-orientation-helping-refugees-and-immigrants-adapt-to-the-u-s-while-maintaining-their-identity)
8. Explore Employment Opportunities
   • An Update on Immigration and North Carolina’s Labor Market (https://commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-feed/update-immigration-and-north-carolinas-labor-market)
   • Refugees Immigrants Jobs, Employment in North Carolina | Indeed (https://indeed.com/q-refugees-immigrants-l-north-carolina-jobs.html)
   • Immigrants in North Carolina - American Immigration Council (https://map.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/locations/north-carolina)
   • Afghan refugees laid off from jobs in Morrisville (https://cbs17.com/video/afghan-refugees-laid-off-from-jobs-in-morrisville/9054327)
   • Jobs for Refugees and Displaced People — Talent Beyond Boundaries (https://talentbeyondboundaries.org/talentcatalog/tc-opportunities)
9. Build a Social Network and Community Connections
   • New Initiatives Aim to Create Welcome for Refugees in North Carolina (https://hias.org/statements/new-initiatives-aim-create-welcome-refugees-north-carolina)
   • Siembra NC strives to protect immigrants in the workplace, build community support (https://elonnewsnetwork.com/article/2025/09/siembra-nc-strives-to-protect-immigrants-in-the-workplace-build-community-support)
   • Charlotte for All: Resources for New Americans (https://charlottenc.gov/City-Government/Initiatives-and-Involvement/Charlotte-for-All)
   • CNNC fosters community connections (https://uncg.edu/faculty-staff/cnnc-fosters-community-connections)
10. Stay Informed About Immigration Policies and Changes

• This Week in Immigration: September 11, 2026 (https://boundless.com/blog/boundless-weekly-immigration-news)
• New USCIS Memo May Force More Green Card Applicants to Apply from Abroad, Causing Chaos and Confusion - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/green-card-news-uscis-memo)
• What will 2026 bring for US migration policy? | Brookings (https://brookings.edu/articles/what-will-2026-bring-for-us-migration-policy)
• How US Immigration Law Changes Affect You in 2026 | Vasquez Law Firm (https://vasquezlawnc.com/blog/us-immigration-law-changes-2026)
• Recent Immigration Updates (https://oiss.washu.edu/immigration-updates)