What Is Asylum in the United States?

Q: Affirmative Asylum

This is a voluntary request for protection submitted by individuals who are not in deportation proceedings and seek protection from persecution in their country of origin.

Q: Political Asylum

Granted to individuals facing persecution due to their political opinions, activities, or membership in opposition movements.

Q: Religious Asylum

This type of asylum is granted to individuals persecuted for their religious beliefs or spiritual practices.

Q: Cultural Asylum

Applies to those facing persecution due to their cultural practices or traditions. This is less common and used when such traditions pose safety risks for the applicant.

Q: Defensive Asylum

A request submitted to an immigration judge by individuals facing deportation proceedings who seek to remain in the country under humanitarian protection.

Asylum is a form of humanitarian protection offered to individuals who are already in the country and fear returning to their place of origin due to persecution. Below, we explain how to apply for asylum in the USA, the benefits, and the requirements for this process.

ALL ABOUT ASYLUM IN THE US

How to Apply for Asylum in the US

There are various types of immigration waivers that may apply depending on the type of inadmissibility. Learn which ones apply and when.

APPLYING FOR ASYLUM IN THE US

Types of Asylum in the United States

Affirmative Asylum

This is a voluntary request for protection submitted by individuals who are not in deportation proceedings and seek protection from persecution in their country of origin.

Political Asylum

Granted to individuals facing persecution due to their political opinions, activities, or membership in opposition movements.

Religious Asylum

This type of asylum is granted to individuals persecuted for their religious beliefs or spiritual practices.

Cultural Asylum

Applies to those facing persecution due to their cultural practices or traditions. This is less common and used when such traditions pose safety risks for the applicant.

Defensive Asylum

A request submitted to an immigration judge by individuals facing deportation proceedings who seek to remain in the country under humanitarian protection.

What Is Asylum in the United States?

How to Apply for Asylum in the US

When to Apply?

Benefits

Requirements

Types of Asylum in the United States