Asylum for Foreign National Refugees

In order to be eligible for asylum in the United States, an applicant must qualify as a refugee under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA defines a refugee as someone who has left his or her native homeland due to persecution or fear of persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social or political group. Asylum status is available for a certain category of people who meet the INA definition of a refugee and are already in the United States or are seeking admission at a port of entry.

Definition of “Persecution”

While the INA has not created a specific definition for the word “persecution,” courts have typically held that a “threat to life or freedom” on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political affiliation, or membership in a particular group is “always persecution.” The persecution must be committed by the individual’s native government or political groups such as guerrillas, tribes, vigilantes, or others that the government has no ability to control.

In most instances, persecution is physical, but it can also be emotional or psychological. Establishing persecution is highly fact-intensive, and individuals will need to demonstrate that what they suffered should be viewed as persecution. This conduct encompasses a wide variety of acts and harms that must be examined on a case-by-case basis.

There are certain types of harms, however, that have been recognized as forms of persecution: physical violence, torture, rape, genocide, slavery, sex trading, unlawful detention, threats of serious harm, and other human rights violations.

Burden of Proof

The applicant bears the burden of proof when it comes to establishing that he or she is indeed a refugee under the definition. Part of this process requires the applicant testifying under oath as to the truth of his or her application. The applicant must also present corroborative testimony, documentary evidence, and anything else that would support his or her claims. Testimony can be sufficient on its own if it is deemed to be credible.

Asylum Decisions are Discretionary

Even if an applicant meets all of the criteria required to be granted asylum, it is within the adjudicator’s rights to deny the application. It is thus important to include as much evidence and detail as possible in one’s application to demonstrate that you deserve asylum. Criminal convictions and other factors can influence an adjudicator’s decision, so it is important to address the circumstances of any conviction or other unfavorable event.

Seeking Asylum From Within the U.S.

If you are already in the U.S. and are not in removal or deportation proceedings, the process by which you can seek asylum is relatively quick. Under INA guidelines, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should work within the following timeframe. After receiving an applicant’s completed asylum application, USCIS should send the applicant a receipt notice confirming the application was received, a biometrics appointment notice for the applicant and any children over 14 years of age or a spouse also seeking asylum, and an interview notice including the date, time, and location. The applicant will then be interviewed at a U.S. asylum office along with any children or a spouse also seeking asylum. In most cases, USCIS should issue a decision within 14 days of the interview. You can check the status of your case online at the USCIS Case Status website, which can help you make sure that you have met all of the deadlines and requirements.

Seeking Asylum From Outside the U.S.

To apply for refugee status, an individual must go to the U.S. Embassy, a U.S. Consulate, or the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in his or her own country. At that point, the individual will need to submit documents detailing his or her situation, including a promise by a U.S. sponsor who supports the relocation effort. Once the application is submitted, the individual will meet with an overseas asylum officer who will assess the merits of the case. If approved, the individual will be given a visa through which he or she can enter the United States. If the application is denied, there is no way of appealing the decision.

Last reviewed October 2024