A form of protection and an immigration status granted by the government to people who fear persecution in their home countries. It’s often mistakenly believed that asylum is only available to those who oppose their country’s government, but it’s a much broader category of protection that includes a variety of situations.
It’s a fundamental right of all people to seek asylum in another country where they can feel safe. The idea dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and even the Bible, and it has been a tradition in Western societies for many centuries. Famous seekers of asylum have included Rene Descartes in the Netherlands, Voltaire in England, and Thomas Hobbes in France.
The process of seeking asylum is long and complicated, so it’s important to work with a skilled immigration attorney. To apply, you must submit a completed Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with a full personal statement that describes the specific reasons you are seeking asylum. You must also include a money order or check for the filing fee of $100. The money order or check should be made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” and must have your A-number (for example, A# 000-000-000) written somewhere on it. If you prefer to pay with a credit card, you must fill out and include Form G-1450. In addition to the forms and fees, you must also provide a copy of your passport. If you are including qualifying family members in your case, they must also have a copy of their passport (all pages, including the covers).