Asylum is the type of status used for those who need protection. They may need this due to their political opinion, nationality, religion, race or even just inclusion in a specific social group that is being persecuted. For these reasons, the individual believes they will not be safe in their home country and wants to stay in the United States to be protected.
The first thing to know is that you can apply for asylum if you are at a port of entry or if you are already in the United States. This is one of the things that sets it apart from the refugee process, which always begins overseas. Seeking asylum can be similar, but may be done by someone who has already fled to the United States. It is simply asking to be allowed to remain since deportation could be very dangerous for them.
Filing the correct forms
If you are in the United States, the form to use is known as the I-589. The official name is the “Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal”. This can be filled out in person by those who are physically in the country already, but are not citizens.
Additionally, some individuals will be able to fill out the form I-589 on the Internet. Online options are not allowed for everyone. For instance, you cannot file one if you are already in immigration proceedings or if you have already filed one in person and the USCIS simply has not responded to your application yet.
Can you count your family?
Yes, if you are in the U.S. with your family, your spouse and children can be added to the application for asylum with you. Children only count as long as they are unmarried and under 21 years old.
How do you get started?
As you can see, seeking asylum may be very beneficial, and it’s important to know about all of the forms to use and the important deadlines to hit. Be sure you know about the options you have, and what steps to take to get the process underway. It may help to work with an experienced team who has been through this process before.
