Every year people come to the United States seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution due to:

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• Race

• Religion

• Nationality

• Membership in a particular social group

• Political opinion

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If you are eligible for asylum you may be permitted to remain in the United States. To apply for Asylum, file a Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, within one year of your arrival to the United States. There is no fee to apply for asylum.

 

You may include your spouse and children who are in the United States on your application at the time you file or at any time until a final decision is made on your case. To include your child on your application, the child must be under 21 and unmarried. For more information see our Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal page.

 

You cannot apply for permission to work (employment authorization) in the United States at the same time you apply for asylum.

 

You may apply for employment authorization if:

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• 150 days have passed since you filed your complete asylum application, excluding any delays caused by you (such as a request to reschedule your interview) AND No decision has been made on your application.

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• If you are granted asylum you may work immediately.

 

• If you are granted asylum you may petition to bring your spouse and children to the United States by filing a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. To include your child on your application, the child must be under 21 and unmarried.