Asylum is the right to live in a foreign country where you can escape persecution. You can claim asylum if you are able to show that harm or the threat of harm — either to yourself, your family, or people like you — is a reasonable basis for fearing persecution in your home country.
Immigration judges are responsible for making decisions on asylum cases. Congress sets the laws that immigration judges must enforce, and the executive branch issues guidance and regulations on how to implement those laws. Asylum policy can change dramatically from one presidential administration to the next, leading to confusion for applicants and deepening immigration court backlogs.
A qualified immigration attorney can help you prepare and submit your asylum application. There are nonprofit and faith-based organizations that provide free legal representation for asylum seekers.
After you file your asylum application, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. Make sure to keep a copy. Check your USCIS account frequently for updates on the status of your case. You should be able to download a copy of your application from your online account in just 1 to 2 days.
If you are applying for asylum in person, you should bring your original asylum application and two copies that you prepared to your hearing. You should give one copy to the government attorney and keep a copy for your records. You can also submit additional evidence to support your asylum application before your individual hearing.
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