People seek asylum around the world for a variety of reasons. They may be fleeing conflict or persecution, or they might simply feel unsafe at home. Asylum is a right of every human being and it’s enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, customary international law, and many other treaties and statutes. Asylum is not just a legal status; it is a way to rebuild one’s life.
To qualify for asylum, an individual must demonstrate they have suffered or fear they will suffer persecution on the basis of one of five protected categories: race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion. However, the law requires that these be “concrete” harms, meaning a real and specific threat to life or liberty.
Asylum seekers often come from regions of the world ravaged by conflict, disaster or weak rule of law. They can be of any age, gender or socio-economic status. Many are children, single mothers or survivors of torture and other forms of abuse.
Asylum applicants are often harmed or threatened for their political activities, their religious beliefs, or their sexual orientation. Their stories are often complex and traumatic, and they can be difficult to express in the US courts. But their legal status cannot capture who they are – as fathers, sisters, friends, teachers, artists or passionate football fans. We invite you to learn more about the individuals seeking protection in our country and how we can support their efforts.