What is Asylum?
Asylum is relief for an alien to remain in the United States under legal status because he has suffered past persecution in his home country or because he has a justifiable fear of future persecution in his home country and such persecution is based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Who May Apply for Asylum?
Any alien in the United States may apply for asylum. An alien in legal status may apply for asylum without endangering his legal status. However, one does not need to be in legal status in the United States in order to apply for asylum.
