Over the years, thousands of people escaping violence and conflict have sought asylum in the US.
According to the Institute of International Law, asylum is defined as the “protection which a state grants on its territory or in some other place under the control of its organs to a person who comes to seek it."
In other words, asylum in the United States means a person will be protected from danger and harm while living in the US.
To seek asylum, people must demonstrate to the United States government that they fear persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion.
Asylum seekers must already be in the United States or at a U.S. airport or border in order to apply for asylum through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Department of Justice. The asylum process can be long and difficult, but if the US grants them asylum, they are allowed to stay, and within one year, to become a permanent resident, on the road to citizenship.
By: Carly Stadum
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| Travel document |
