Asylum is a way for people that are scared of returning to their home countries to stay in the United States legally.
People who get asylum are allowed to stay in the United States indefinitely and can apply for permanent residence (green card) after being in the U.S. for one year.
To qualify for asylum, you have to show that you were harmed in the past or have a well-founded fear of being harmed in the future because of:
- Your religion
- Your political views or activities
- Your nationality
- Your race/ethnicity
- Your social group, including your sexual orientation, family, and gender
- You are someone who has helped the police out or who has been a witness in a court case.
DO NOT APPLY FOR ASYLUM WITHOUT THE HELP OF A LAWYER
If you apply for asylum and your application is denied, you will be placed in removal proceedings, which are the first step in the deportation process.