What are the requirements to sponsor an asylum seeker?
- Sponsor must have current immigration status in the US (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident)
- Sponsor must have a fixed address where they can demonstrate they have resided for a significant period of time (over 1 year)
- Sponsor must be able to provide asylum seeker with a safe, comfortable place to sleep
- Sponsor must be able to provide asylum seeker with basic necessities (food, occasional transportation, items of clothing, etc.)
- Sponsor must have financial means to support asylum seekers (see basic necessities)
What is the time commitment?
- Sponsor is primarily responsible to receive the asylum seeker after they are released from detention
- Sponsorship of an asylum seeker is an undefined period of time to be determined by the asylum seeker (if an adult) and the sponsor
- Asylum seeker has the right to move at any time for any reason
- Sponsor has the right to ask the asylum seeker to move out for any reason
What if the asylum seeker moves do I have to tell ICE?
- It is the asylum seeker’s responsibility to inform ICE if they move
- It is always best for the sponsor to assist the asylum seeker to inform ICE of any change of address
What if the asylum seeker doesn’t show up to court?
- It is the responsibility of the asylum seeker to show up in court
- It is a best practice for the sponsor to be well aware of all court hearings and make plans with the asylum seeker to be able to attend their hearings in court
- If the asylum seeker does not show up in court, it is possible that ICE may come to the sponsor’s residence to inquire about the whereabouts of the asylum seeker
- There is no repercussion for the sponsor if the asylum seeker does not show up in court
What if I change my mind after a few months?
- The sponsor may ask the asylum seeker to move out at any point
What if I move?
- If the sponsor moves it is a best practice for the sponsor to assist the asylum seeker in informing ICE and the immigration court of this change of address, which is best facilitated by a legal service provider experienced in asylum cases or immigration law
Does the asylum seeker have to live with me?
- The sponsor agrees to receive the asylum seeker in their home after they are released from detention
Are they able to work?
- It depends case by case
- The asylum seeker should consult with an experienced immigration attorney and/or legal service provider that works with asylum cases
Can they travel outside of the state and if they do am I required to tell someone?
- Yes, the asylum seeker can travel outside of the state, unless specifically stated in the custody determination with ICE and/or the immigration court
- The sponsor is not required to tell anyone of the asylum seeker’s travel
- The asylum seeker should always let their ICE office know if they intend to travel outside of the state (location and period of time)
If someone commits a crime or gets in trouble with ICE am I liable?
- The sponsor is not liable if someone commits a crime unless they have participated in the crime or can be implicated in the crime
- The sponsor is not liable if the asylum seeker violates the terms of their custody with ICE
Am I financially responsible for the asylum seeker?
- The sponsor is not legally financially responsible for the asylum seeker, but SHOULD take responsibility for the asylum seeker’s basic necessities while they are living in their home (food, basic clothing, required transportation, etc.)
Do they have health insurance? If they get hurt what do I do?
- Asylum seekers do not have health insurance
- If they get hurt they should seek appropriate medical services within the collective means of the sponsor and asylum seeker
Can they get a driver’s license?
- It depends case by case
- The asylum seeker should consult with an experienced immigration attorney and/or legal service provider that works with asylum cases