Asylum is a form of protection the United States offers to individuals who come looking for protection and safety.
Many people dream of a safe life in the United States, but the process of obtaining asylum status can be confusing. Here are the important points to remember.
How to qualify
To qualify for asylum, a person must prove that they have suffered violence or struggle in their home country. They may also prove that violence or struggle may happen in their home country in the future. This violence must be due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
How to apply
Asylum seekers have the right to apply for asylum at a port of entry upon arriving in the United States, or within one year of their arrival. The application involves filling out an application form detailing their fear of returning to their home country. The application process can take a lot of effort to complete.
How to interview
After submitting the application, the asylum seeker will have an interview with an asylum officer. During this interview, the asylum officer will look over everything. Following the interview, the officer will make a decision regarding the applicant’s asylum status.
Possible outcomes
There are three possible outcomes from the asylum process: grant of asylum, referral to immigration court, or denial of asylum. If an asylum officer grants asylum, the applicant can stay in the United States. If the officer gives the case to an immigration court, the applicant will present their case before an immigration judge. If the officer denies the asylum application, the individual may have to leave the United States.
Always remember to be truthful and detailed when applying for asylum.