Political asylum is a form of protection that is granted to individuals who have been persecuted or fear persecution in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. In the United States, individuals seeking political asylum can file an application with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or, if they are already in removal proceedings, with the Immigration Court.
The process for seeking political asylum in the United States begins by completing and submitting Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, to DHS. If the individual is already in removal proceedings, they may file their application with the Immigration Court. The application should include a detailed explanation of the persecution the individual has experienced or fears experiencing in their home country, as well as any supporting evidence, such as documents or witness testimony.
If the individual's application is approved, they will be granted asylum and will be allowed to live and work in the United States. If the application is denied, the individual may appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If the BIA denies the appeal, the individual may be able to seek review by a federal court.
It is important for individuals seeking political asylum to understand that the process can be complex and may take a significant amount of time. It is highly recommended that individuals seeking asylum seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney.