Political asylum is legal protection that the United States grants to people who can show that they have suffered persecution or fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, political opinion or sexual orientation. Asylum seekers are often people who have been forced to flee their countries because of a violent conflict or other extraordinary circumstances beyond their control. People who are granted asylum in the United States can work legally, bring immediate family members and eventually apply to become lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders.
To qualify for asylum, a person must be on U.S. soil or be seeking entry into the country at an official port of entry. The person must also show that he or she has a “well-founded fear” of future persecution based on one of the five protected grounds. During fiscal year (FY) 2024, USCIS found that 70,549 people met this standard.
Unlike defendants in criminal court, applicants don’t have the right to government-appointed legal representation. However, there are many nonprofit and faith-based organizations that provide free legal services to asylum seekers.
The asylum process can take several years, and a growing backlog can leave many people in legal limbo. The United States is working with other nations to strengthen their asylum laws and systems to better identify people in need of international protection. We are also encouraging them to establish procedures for expedited returns of those who do not qualify for asylum.
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