Political Asylum

Asylum is a form of protection that allows individuals who are physically inside the U.S. to remain here legally and receive permanent residence if they meet the definition of a refugee. The asylum applicant could be inside the U.S. or seeking entry into the U.S. at a port of entry.

This type of protection was created for foreign nationals who have a real fear of returning to their home country because of having experienced past persecution at home due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

To apply for Asylum, Withholding of Removal and Relief Under Convention Against Torture (“CAT”), the applicant must file the Asylum Application – USCIS Form I-589.

The Asylum Application (Form I-589) should be filed with USCIS before the one year anniversary of the asylum seeker’s entry into the U.S. and should be thoroughly supported by documents, evidence and testimony regarding the persecution experienced by the applicant. There is no USCIS fee for the asylum application.