Receiving asylum status in the United States marks a turning point for individuals fleeing persecution.
While it provides legal protection and residency, it also initiates a complex journey of adaptation, access to social services, and emotional recovery.
In this article, Marsan Akguc Law Firm outlines the legal rights granted to asylees, how to access public programs, and the psychological challenges many face after being granted protection.
What Rights Are Granted After Asylum Is Approved?
Once an individual is granted asylum in the U.S., they acquire legal status as an “asylee,” which entitles them to a wide range of federal and state-level rights and benefits.
These include:
- Legal residency and the right to remain in the U.S.
- Eligibility to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
- Access to employment and the right to work legally
- Enrollment in public education systems
- Eligibility to apply for a Green Card after one year
- The ability to petition for family reunification (derivative asylees)
To exercise these rights, individuals must complete necessary applications through USCIS and other federal or state agencies.
Social Security Number (SSN) and Work Authorization
Asylees are immediately eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), which is required for employment, opening a bank account, filing taxes, and accessing many services.
Steps include:
- Visiting a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with the asylum grant letter and valid identification.
- Submitting an application for the SSN.
- Receiving the SSN card by mail within 2–4 weeks.
In addition, asylees may apply for or renew their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which serves as formal proof of work eligibility.
Accessing Housing and Public Assistance Programs
Asylees may qualify for various federal, state, and local assistance programs.
Eligibility and scope of these benefits vary depending on the individual’s state of residence, income level, and family situation.
Common programs include:
- Emergency housing assistance
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid or state-funded health insurance
- Cash assistance or Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
- Case management and resettlement services through Refugee Resettlement Agencies
To apply, individuals must present their asylum approval documentation to local human services or refugee assistance offices.
Education Rights and Language Access
Asylees and their dependent children are entitled to free public education in the United States.
Children between ages 5–18 can enroll in public schools, while adults may participate in:
- ESL (English as a Second Language) programs at community colleges
- Adult learning centers offering job readiness and language training
- Refugee and immigrant organizations that provide academic guidance or scholarships
Education access plays a vital role in helping newcomers integrate and rebuild their lives.
Psychological Challenges Faced by Asylees
Although asylum status offers legal protection, many asylees struggle with deep emotional and psychological burdens.
Common challenges include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety, isolation, and cultural disorientation
- Fear of the future and uncertainty around immigration status
- Difficulty navigating a new society due to language or social barriers
In many states, free mental health services and trauma-informed therapy programs are available through refugee clinics, community centers, and nonprofit organizations.
Comprehensive support—including emotional care—is critical for long-term adaptation and healing.
Marsan Akguc Law Firm provides full legal support for individuals navigating life after asylum approval, including SSN and work permit applications, public assistance guidance, and long-term immigration planning such as Green Card and family reunification.