Asylum & Refugee Status

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For people who've fled persecution, U.S. asylum and refugee laws may allow for a safe haven. However, not everyone qualifies. Even proving that one is telling a true story can be challenging. Find out more about the rules and application procedures here.

Eligibility for Asylum or Refugee Status

Asylum or Refugee Status: Who Is Eligible?
Understanding what types of persecution qualify a person for asylee and refugee status, the required grounds of persecution, and more.
What Counts as “Persecution” When Applying for Asylum or Refugee Status
Physical harm, threats, torture, and more may all qualify as persecution.
Claiming Asylum If You Fear, But Haven’t Experienced, Persecution in Your Country
Eligibility for asylum based on a well-founded fear of future persecution.
Bars to Receiving Asylum or Refugee Status
Persecutors of others, threats to U.S. security, people firmly resettled in a third country, and others who are not eligible as asylees or refugees.
Chances of Winning a Grant of Asylum
Learn about improving your chances at winning asylum.
Can I Apply for Asylum With a Criminal Record?
Types of criminal convictions or findings that may bar an applicant from receiving asylum.
What a "Particular Social Group" Means for Asylum Purposes
One of the five protected grounds upon which people may claim asylum is that they were persecuted members of a "particular social group" -- but what does this mean?
Claiming Asylum When Persecution Didn't Come From the Government
People or groups that the government can't or won't control count as persecutors, too.
Which Countries Do Most People Granted Asylum in the U.S. Come From?
If you guessed that most asylum grantees come from China, you're right.
How Changed Circumstances Can Affect Your Asylum Eligibility
Until you're a permanent resident, changes in your life, your home country conditions, and more can affect your asylum eligibility.

Alternative Remedies to Asylum

Differences Between Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Protection Under Convention Against Torture
Some applicants who can't meet the asylum eligibility requirements can nevertheless qualify for these mandatory, alternate forms of relief.
Your Rights After a Grant of Convention Against Torture Protection or Withholding of Removal
You won't get the same rights as an asylee; learn what Withholding of Removal and CAT protection do offer.
Bars to Eligibility for Withholding of Removal
Although Immigration Judge's have no discretion when deciding whether someone is eligible for withholding of removal, some bars to eligibility exist.
My country was just designated for TPS. Should I apply for TPS or asylum?
If you are eligible for both asylum and TPS, you may want to apply for both.
If I am eligible for DACA, should I apply for that or asylum?
You may apply for both, if you are eligible.

Applying for Asylum or Refugee Status

Applying for Asylum Status
Click here to access a series of articles on how to apply for asylum in the United States.
Asylum or Refugee Status: How to Apply
Overview of the different application processes that refugees and asylees must follow.

Questions on Asylum & Refugee Status

Asylum FAQs
Click here for a series of detailed questions and answers about asylum risks, procedures, and more.

Asylum Eligibility From Particular Countries

Can I Apply for U.S. Asylum If I'm From Brazil?
Asylum statistics, typical claims, and common reasons for the denial of Brazilian asylum applications.
Egypt, Antigovernment Protests, and Internet Freedom
The role of the Internet in antigovernment movements in the Middle East and North Africa.
Can I Apply for U.S. Asylum If I'm From Mexico?
It is extremely difficult to gain asylum from Mexico. Here you will learn the reasons why.
Can I Apply for U.S. Asylum If I'm From Colombia?
Colombians are one of the most frequent nationalities to request asylum in the United States. Learn more about how and why Colombians seek U.S. asylum.

In the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee

After a Grant of Asylum or Refugee Status: What's Next
This series of articles will help you learn about your rights as an asylee or refugee, when to apply for a green card and U.S. citizenship, and more.