Asylum is a form of protection and an immigration status that the United States grants to people who are afraid of persecution in their home country. To qualify for asylum, an individual must meet the definition of a refugee and prove that they have suffered past persecution on account of one or more protected grounds, such as race, religion, national origin, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group (PSG).
If granted asylum, individuals can live and work in the United States permanently, along with their spouse and children. Applicants must submit a detailed asylum application, personal statement, and evidence to support their claim of past or present persecution. They must also attend an interview at the USCIS office that serves their area. During the interview, a USCIS asylum officer will review the application and statements and verify the accuracy of the supporting documents. The asylum interview can last several hours and it is important for asylum seekers to have a lawyer with them to maximize their chances of success.
Asylum is based on international legal agreements such as the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol, as well as domestic law, including federal statutes and regulations. The United States also works with other countries to strengthen their asylum systems, so that they can efficiently identify people who need international protection and return those who do not qualify. This is a crucial step to protecting human rights and ensuring that people do not continue to be forced to flee their homes.