Who is an asylee?
Maryland is fourth in the nation for Asylees. Asylum is granted to individuals who have a real and true fear of persecution in their home country. The only difference between an asylee and a refugee is that a refugee applies for status while overseas, and an asylee applies once they reach the United States. Asylum seekers must prove their case to the immigration court, often without legal representation. The process can take months, or even years. This is often a very difficult time, as asylum seekers do not qualify for much assistance and while they can apply for work authorization, it takes a minimum of six months to obtain it. Once asylum is granted, the IRC can offer help through its assistance programs.
What can the IRC do for Asylees in Maryland?
If a Maryland resident comes to the IRC within the first thirty days of asylum approval, they can be enrolled in the IRC's Matching Grant Program, or the Public Private Partnership (PPP). If the client comes after the thirty days, they are only eligible for the PPP program or TCA. Both programs offer employment and cash assistance.
If you have been granted asylum in the state of Maryland, please call our office, (301-562-8633 ext. 200) or come by during office hours (be sure to bring all of your paperwork).
Joseph's Story
This is Joseph's story; he is just one of many asylees who escaped persecution to seek a better life in the United States.
When Joseph arrived at JFK airport on September 17th, 2002, he was seeking refuge from political persecution in his home country, Cameroon. Forced to leave his wife and three children behind, Joseph lived with his cousin and applied for asylum. His new life, however, was difficult. Joseph's case was postponed several times and when he talks about this period of his life, he recalls a time full of uncertainty and frustration. Finally, four years later, Joseph was granted asylum on November 27, 2006.
Soon after receiving asylum status, Joseph came to the IRC to enroll in the Public Private Partnership program (PPP). Almost immediately, he says, "life got better." Through PPP, he received help with his rent and found employment. He got his social security card and began a better phase of his American life. A few months later, he found a position with the construction company Acorn. Joseph has excelled as a construction supervisor and Acorn is now sponsoring his education by covering the costs necessary to become a certified home inspector.
Now, Joseph has saved enough money to have a car, an apartment in Silver Spring, and still send money home to his family. As life in the United States improves, he is beginning the process to bring his wife and three children to live here too. When asked if the IRC and PPP program were helpful to him, he smiles and looks down: "I cannot even say. It helped me a lot."
