Every person has the right to live free from persecution, or the fear of persecution, based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Though every government is obligated to provide this right, many fail.
An individual must be physically present in the United States in order to apply for asylum.
An individual must have been persecuted in the past on an account of his or her political views, race, religion, nationality or membership in a particular social group.
An individual may also apply for asylum if there is a likelihood that he or she will suffer future persecution
Every year millions of people face persecution for traits they cannot control or exercising their religious or political beliefs. When governments fail to protect these rights, people have the right to move to a country that will protect them. This is the right to asylum. People who seek to exercise this right are called “asylum seekers” or, in some cases, “refugees.”
In 1951, the formal basis for exercising the right to asylum was established by an international treaty, the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Countries signing that Convention have an obligation to provide asylum or refuge to people fleeing persecution.
Seeking asylum is a serious matter with life-long ramifications. We urge you to prepare you case in as much detail as possible and hope that your journey brings the peace and security that every person deserves.