The process of bringing family members to the United States after being granted asylum or refugee status involves several crucial steps. This article outlines the “follow-to-join” procedure, explaining how asylees and refugees can petition for their spouses and unmarried children to join them in the U.S. We will explore the necessary steps, from filing the initial petition to the final entry into the United States, focusing on key aspects relevant to travel documents and eligibility.
1. Filing the I-730 Petition
If you’ve been granted asylum or resettled as a refugee in the United States, you can file Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, on behalf of your spouse and unmarried children. This petition must be filed within two years of your arrival in the U.S. The petitioner needs to be principal asylee or principal refugee. Detailed instructions and the form itself are available on the USCIS website.
2. National Visa Center (NVC) Pre-Processing
Once USCIS approves the I-730 petition and the beneficiary is located overseas, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC then sends the case file to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the beneficiary will be interviewed. The petitioner receives a notification from NVC indicating the location of the interview, contact information for that office, and further instructions.
3. The Beneficiary Interview: Identity and Eligibility
The beneficiary will attend an interview conducted by a Department of State consular officer or a USCIS officer at the designated U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The primary purposes of this interview are to verify the beneficiary’s identity, confirm their relationship to the petitioner, and determine their eligibility to travel to the United States. Digital fingerprint scans are required during the interview.
Alt text: A digital fingerprint scan being taken for identity verification during the immigration process at a U.S. embassy.
Documentation Needed for the Overseas Interview
It is critical to prepare diligently for the beneficiary interview. This includes gathering all required original documents. Some beneficiaries may also need to undergo a medical examination before the interview.
4. Approval to Travel
The interviewing officer will inform the beneficiary whether they have been approved to travel to the United States as a follow-to-join refugee or asylee. This determination is based on the information provided and the outcome of the interview.
5. Post-Interview Processing
Certain cases require additional administrative processing after the interview, which can extend the overall processing time. For follow-to-join refugees, post-approval processing includes arranging sponsorship by a voluntary resettlement agency in the United States. Securing a sponsorship assurance from a resettlement agency is mandatory for follow-to-join refugees to receive refugee benefits upon arrival in the U.S.
6. Boarding Foil, Travel Packet, and the National Passport
If approved, the beneficiary will receive a boarding foil, typically placed in their national passport or other valid travel document. This boarding foil permits them to travel to the U.S. A sealed “travel packet” containing essential documents will also be provided, to be presented to a DHS immigration official upon arrival in the United States. Crucially, the boarding foil is placed in the beneficiary’s national passport (if valid) or another travel document, allowing them to travel.
7. Travel Arrangements and National Passport
The beneficiary must enter the United States before the boarding foil’s expiration date. The interviewing officer will provide guidance on travel arrangements. Typically, follow-to-join asylees are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. However, travel arrangements for follow-to-join refugees must be coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Failure to coordinate travel through IOM may result in the loss of reception and placement benefits. Having a valid national passport, even for asylees, can greatly simplify the travel process.
8. Entering the United States: Final Steps
The boarding foil allows the beneficiary to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the United States. However, it does not guarantee entry. CBP officials at the port of entry have the final authority to grant or deny admission. Upon arrival, the beneficiary must present their passport (or other travel document) containing the boarding foil and the sealed travel packet to the CBP officer.
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Alt text: A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer reviewing travel documents, including a passport, at a U.S. port of entry.
Beneficiaries should consult the CBP website for important information regarding admission and entry requirements.
In conclusion, while the process can be complex, understanding each step is critical for a successful outcome. A valid national passport, when available, plays a significant role in facilitating travel for both refugees and asylees seeking to join their families in the United States. It’s important to always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
