One of the most common questions for Turkish nationals who apply for asylum in the United States is:
“Can I go back to Turkey while my asylum application is pending or after it’s been approved?”
In this guide, Marsan Akguc Law Firm outlines the key legal consequences and risks of returning to your home country after requesting protection in the U.S. asylum system. We’ll cover travel during the application process, returning after approval, and the importance of using proper travel documents.
Can You Travel to Turkey While Your Asylum Case Is Pending?
Generally, no.
When you apply for asylum in the U.S., you are claiming that returning to your home country puts your life or freedom at risk due to persecution based on political opinion, religion, nationality, or social group.
If you return to Turkey during this process, it may raise serious doubts about the truthfulness and credibility of your claim.
Risks of Traveling Back During the Process:
- USCIS may view the application as fraudulent or insincere.
- Your asylum case could be denied or referred to immigration court.
- You may face difficulties re-entering the U.S., including visa denials or border questioning.
Unless absolutely necessary, it is strongly advised not to travel back to Turkey while your asylum request is under review.
What Happens If You Return to Turkey After Asylum Is Approved?
If your asylum claim is approved, you receive asylee status or are classified as a refugee under U.S. law.
This protection is based on the claim that you cannot safely return to your country.
If you later travel back to Turkey, it could undermine your entire asylum case, because it suggests that:
- You may no longer be in danger
- Your original claim might not have been accurate
- The conditions in your home country have changed
Consequences of Returning:
- Loss of asylum status
- Denial of green card (adjustment of status)
- Reversal of refugee travel benefits
- Risk of removal (deportation)
- Problems with naturalization/citizenship applications due to credibility issues
In rare humanitarian cases (like death of a close family member), you may be able to request Advance Parole (Form I-131), which allows temporary travel with USCIS approval.
What About Using a Turkish Passport or Embassy Services?
Using your Turkish passport or contacting your consulate after applying for or receiving asylum is highly discouraged and can lead to serious immigration consequences.
Why Is This Risky?
- Contacting the Turkish government implies you are still seeking protection from that government.
- This could contradict your asylum claim that you fear persecution from the same government.
- USCIS may consider this as grounds to terminate your asylum status.
What You Should Do Instead:
- For domestic travel, you can use your USCIS receipt notices, asylum grant letter, or work permit (EAD).
- For international travel, apply for a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131) from USCIS.
- Do not use your Turkish passport to re-enter the U.S.
Refugee Travel Documents allow you to travel abroad (not to your home country) and safely return to the U.S. as an asylee.
Summary
- Traveling to Turkey while your asylum case is pending is extremely risky.
- Returning to Turkey after being granted asylum can jeopardize your legal status in the U.S.
- Using a Turkish passport or embassy services can result in revocation of your protection.
- Always consult with an immigration attorney before making any travel plans.
Marsan Akguc Law Firm can help guide you through asylum procedures, travel authorization, and maintain the integrity of your immigration case.