An asylum seeker is someone who flees their home country to seek safety in another country because they fear persecution from their home country.
When the United States provides a person with protection from deportation or removal back to their home country, they have granted that individual asylum.
Who qualifies for asylum?
If you have suffered persecution or fear you will suffer persecution in your home country because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group you may apply for asylum in the United States. You must have a genuine fear that your life is in danger if you return. You cannot apply until you are physically present in the United States. You must apply within one year of your arrival to the United States.
What about family?
If you have children who are under 21 years old, you may add them to your application for asylum. You may also your spouse to your application. You can make these additions to your application if these family members live in the United States. You can add them to your application from the time you initially apply until there is a final decision in your case.
When you apply for asylum, you must fill out a formal application and provide evidence about why you are seeking asylum. It is important to fill out the application correctly and follow all directions to prevent your application from getting denied. If you have questions or doubts about the process, seek assistance from a legal professional.
