What is Asylum?

Asylum is a state of protection a country's government provides to citizens of other countries who are afraid to go home. They may fear retribution for bucking the authorities, threats from racist regimes or political aggressors. The problem may be persecution because of religious beliefs or social affiliations, race, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. No matter the reason, a refugee can ask for political asylum from the country they have absconded to.

Anyone who meets the official definition of a refugee can apply for asylum in the United States. Refugees can apply for asylum within one year of arrival into the United States. They may also apply for their spouses and children to join them. The proper forms must be submitted to the United States Department of Immigration to begin the process. Permission to work cannot be granted until asylum proceedings have been in the works for more than 150 days without a response.

Applying for asylum can be scary and hard to prove. But the prospect of returning home and be subjected to further persecution can be even more frightening. An experienced immigration attorney will be able to present your case and qualify you for asylum.