Are You A Russian Citizen And Want Asylum In The United States?

Due to the Russian war on Ukraine, many young Russian nationals seek asylum in the United States. Many young Russian adults are highly educated and skilled workers, often in technology. As foreign companies continue to leave Russia, and the Russian government tries to conscript them into compulsory military duty in President Vladimir Putin’s unpopular war against their neighboring country.

U.S. immigration experts expect an increase in Russian entrepreneurs, tech workers, businessmen and other skilled and educated Russian citizens.

U.S. Welcomes Russians Seeking Asylum

In a press conference on September 26, 2022, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said:

“We believe that regardless of their nationality, they may apply for asylum in the United States and have their claim educated on a case by case basis.” 

U.S. Wants to Attract More Russian STEM Workers

The Biden administration has proposed an emergency measure for a new Russian visa program. This will give highly educated and skilled Russian STEM workers an opportunity for permanent residence in America. Thousands of Russian scientists and engineers have fled Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine. And the United States would like to attract Russian students, scientists and skilled workers. The U.S. is experiencing a labor shortage in technology and sciences, and businesses are looking for skilled foreign workers to fill American jobs without qualified workers.

On April 28, 2022, the Biden administration wrote a letter to the House requesting special legislation for the FY 2022 emergency supplemental funding for Ukraine:

“This authority would help the United States attract and retain Russian STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] talent and undercut Russia’s innovative potential, benefiting U.S. national security.”  

How Russians Can Apply for Asylum in the United States

Asylum is granted to foreign nationals who reside in the United States or are at the border and meet the international definition of a “refugee”.

• Each individual seeking asylum in the United States must submit an individual application for asylum which will be reviewed and processed by the government.
• An asylum application can only be made if an individual is physically present in the United States or presents themself at a U.S. port of entry.
• The individual must apply for asylum within one year of their arrival to the United States by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
• Asylum applicants can include their spouses and children in the asylum application.
• The individual must be unwilling and unable to return to Russia for fear of persecution on account of
  • race
  • religion
  • nationality
  • membership in a particular social group
  • political opinion as a result of their refusal to join the military

Are You A Russian Who Wants Asylum to Avoid Military Duty?

Asylum is an extremely complex and difficult process. Individuals are more likely to be granted this form of protection if they are represented by an experienced immigration attorney. To learn more about your rights and to discover how an Oak Brook asylum lawyer can help protect them, call Godoy Law Office at 630-912-0322. We can fight beside you to get the protection you need.