What are the steps to apply for asylum in the US in 2024?.

To apply for asylum in the United States, follow these steps:

Step-by-step

1. Determine Eligibility: You must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
2. File Your Application: Complete the Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) within one year of your arrival in the U.S.
3. Gather Supporting Documents: Collect evidence supporting your claim, such as personal statements, country conditions reports, and witness statements.
4. Submit Your Application: File the completed Form I-589 along with any required documents to the appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.
5. Attend the Asylum Interview: After filing, you will be scheduled for an interview where you will present your case to an asylum officer.
6. Receive a Decision: The officer will decide whether to grant asylum, which may take several weeks to months.
7. Follow Up: If granted, you can apply for a Green Card after one year. If denied, you may appeal the decision or seek other legal options.

Key Facts

• Asylum applications must be submitted within one year of arrival in the U.S.
• Over 79,000 people applied for asylum in the U.S. in 2022.
• The backlog of asylum cases reached over 1.5 million as of 2023.
• Asylum grants were at 25% in 2022, reflecting increased scrutiny.

Examples or Use Cases

• An individual fleeing political persecution can apply for asylum to secure safety and legal residency in the U.S.