Whether you can go from “asylum pending” to another status is often difficult to discern

Whether you can go from “asylum pending” to another status is often difficult to discern. For most people, it’s a gray area because the policies on this issue are complicated and not well defined. As an asylum lawyer, I’m not in a position to assess whether you have a strong chance of getting immigration status based on employment, business, or investment. If you think you might have a viable route, I strongly encourage you to speak with an immigration lawyer who focuses on those types of cases. If they think it’s viable, then go for it. Pursuing another status like that will not negatively affect your asylum case, and I can say that with confidence. But it’s absolutely critical that you do not withdraw your asylum claim unless and until you have a green card in your hand through the other route.