1. | What is asylum?
Answer: Asylum is a form of international protection that is granted to refugees who are unable to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
2. | Who is eligible to apply for asylum?
Answer: To be eligible for asylum, an individual must be a refugee as defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention. This means that they must have a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
3. | How does one apply for asylum?
Answer: In the United States, an individual can apply for asylum by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
4. | Are there any restrictions on who can apply for asylum?
Answer: Yes, anyone who has been convicted of a “particularly serious crime” or is considered a danger to the security of the United States may not be eligible for asylum.
5. | What documents are needed to apply for asylum?
Answer: The required documents for an asylum application include a completed Form I-589, valid ID, financial documents, and any other evidence of persecution.
6. | What is the processing time for an asylum application?
Answer: The processing time for an asylum application can vary depending on the individual case. Generally, it can take up to 180 days for a decision to be issued.
7. | Can family members be included in an asylum application?
Answer: Yes, family members (spouse and children under the age of 21) can be included in an asylum application.
8. | Are asylum applications confidential?
Answer: Yes, the information provided in an asylum application is confidential and cannot be shared with any third parties without the applicant’s permission.
9. | What happens if an asylum application is denied?
Answer: If an asylum application is denied, the applicant may be subject to removal proceedings and could be deported from the United States.
10. | How long does an asylum grant last?
Answer: An asylum grant is generally valid for one year, after which the individual must apply for an extension or permanent residence status.