Asylum

Asylum is protection or entry allowed by a country to a political refugee who otherwise would not be allowed entry. People seeking asylum may claim to be persecuted on the grounds of their races, religions, nationalities, social statuses or political opinions. Asylum may also be extended to family members.

In the United States, each applicant for asylum must complete a Form I-589, which asks comprehensive questions about applicant’s family, background, schooling and circumstances. It also requires detailed explanations of the grounds for asylum.

Applicants seeking asylum may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. If the applicant is the subject of a removal proceeding, he or she may apply for asylum to the immigration judge assigned to the case. Similarly, if the application is denied by the USCIS and the USCIS seeks removal of the applicant, the immigration judge is also empowered to review and potentially reverse the denial.