Walking out of the Chicago Asylum Office or the Immigration Court on West Jackson Boulevard with an approval notice is a moment of profound relief. For many of our clients, this is the end of a long, often frightening journey. But while the fear of deportation may be gone, a new set of legal requirements and opportunities begins immediately.

If you just received your grant of asylum, you might be wondering about your next steps. How do you get a Social Security card? When can you bring your family to Illinois? How long until you can apply for a Green Card? At Gilliam Law, we believe in providing the attention you deserve as you transition into this new chapter of your life.

Immediate Rights and Responsibilities as an Asylee

The moment your asylum case is approved, your legal status in the United States changes. You are no longer an applicant; you are an asylee. According to the American Immigration Council , this status allows you to remain in the U.S. indefinitely, as long as you do not lose your status through specific actions, such as returning to the country where you were persecuted.

One of the first things you will notice is that you are authorized to work in the U.S. incident to your status. This means your asylum approval itself is proof of your right to work. Even so, most employers will still ask for a physical document. You can apply for an unrestricted Social Security card at any Social Security Administration office , including locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. You will need to bring your original asylum approval notice and a form of identification.

Accessing Benefits and Services in Illinois

Illinois offers several programs to help asylees integrate and become self-sufficient. Because you have been granted asylum, you may be eligible for “mainstream” federal benefits and specialized services funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) .

In Chicago, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) administers these programs through the Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services. According to Illinois Refugee Resettlement Program guidelines, you may be eligible for:

• Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): Financial help for those not eligible for other cash programs, typically available for up to 12 months after your grant date.
• Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA): Health coverage for those who do not qualify for Medicaid, also generally available for up to 12 months.
• SNAP and TANF: Food and cash assistance programs for families and individuals with low income, as detailed by Illinois Legal Aid Online .
• Employment Services: Help with job placement, English language training, and vocational skills through local Chicago non-profits.

Apply for these benefits as soon as possible, as some have strict windows of eligibility that begin the day your asylum is granted.

Petitioning for Your Family Members

If you have a spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 who were not included in your original asylum application, you can petition to bring them to the United States. This is done by filing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

There are two critical rules to keep in mind for family petitions:

1. The Two-Year Deadline: You must file the petition within two years of being granted asylum. While it is possible to ask for a waiver of this deadline, it is only granted in very specific, humanitarian circumstances.
2. Existing Relationship: Your relationship with your spouse or child must have existed at the time your asylum was granted.

We know how much it means to be reunited with loved ones. Our team works closely with clients to ensure these petitions are filed accurately and timely, helping families find safety together here in Illinois.

Traveling Abroad as an Asylee

While you now have the right to live in the U.S., you should not travel outside the country using your home country’s passport. Doing so could be seen as “re-availment,” or seeking the protection of the government you claimed to fear, which can lead to the termination of your asylum status.

Before you plan any international travel, you must apply for a Refugee Travel Document using Form I-131. This document looks like a passport and is used for re-entry into the United States. Even with this document, you should never travel back to the country from which you sought asylum. If you must travel for an emergency, it is wise to consult with an attorney first to understand the risks to your status.

The Path to a Green Card and Citizenship

The ultimate goal for many asylees is to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder). Under USCIS guidelines , you are eligible to apply for a Green Card after you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted asylum.

To apply, you will file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This process involves a new background check and, in some cases, an interview at a USCIS field office, such as the one located in downtown Chicago.

Once you have held your Green Card for four years, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Asylees receive a “roll back” of their residency date by one year upon approval of the Green Card, which helps speed up this timeline ( USCIS Welcomes Refugees and Asylees ).

Maintaining Your Status and Compliance

Even after approval, there are ongoing requirements you must follow to stay in good standing:

• Address Changes: You must notify USCIS of any move within 10 days by filing Form AR-11 . This can be done easily through the USCIS online system.
• Selective Service: If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26, you must register for the Selective Service . Failure to do so can negatively impact your future citizenship application.
• Legal Conduct: Any criminal charges or convictions can have serious immigration consequences. Because immigration law is federal, even certain state-level offenses in Illinois can trigger removal proceedings.

How Gilliam Law Can Help You

Moving from the stress of an asylum case to the responsibilities of a permanent resident can feel overwhelming. At Gilliam Law, we understand that every client has different needs. Some people are tech-savvy and prefer our streamlined online systems to manage their cases from home; others need more “hand holding” and personal guidance through the paperwork. We offer both tracks to ensure you feel supported in the way that suits you best.

We are a team that truly cares about the outcome of your case. Whether you are ready to file for your Green Card, need help bringing your children to Chicago, or simply want to ensure you are following the rules of your new status, we are here to listen. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and help you plan for a secure future.

Our goal is to help you move through these legal hurdles in the healthiest way possible, ending the conflict and uncertainty of your past so you can focus on your new life in Illinois. If you have questions about what comes next, reach out to us today.

Give us a call at 866-511-3422 to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward your permanent home.

The post What Happens After Your Asylum Case Is Approved? appeared first on Chicago Immigration Lawyer.