How to Seek Asylum in the US

Every year, thousands of people who are either in the US or at the US border apply for asylum because they have suffered or have credible fear that they will suffer persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

01

A person can seek asylum in the US in two ways: Affirmative Process and Defensive Process

How to seek asylum in the US?

The non-US citizens who want to apply for asylum through the affirmative process must be physically present in the US. 

Applying for asylum through the Affirmative Asylum Process

Steps for Applying for Asylum in the Us Through the Affirmative Asylum Process

When you file a defensive asylum application, you do it to avoid being deported from the United States.  

Defensive Asylum processing

There is no fee to apply for asylum in the US. You only have to file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.

What is the fee to apply for asylum?

Can I bring my family to the US once I am granted asylum?

No, the US laws do not permit individuals to apply for asylum from outside the US.  

Can I apply for asylum from outside the US?

Are you having a fear of persecution? This article has guided you on applying for asylum if you are physically present in the US.