In simple terms, political asylum is a form of protection from persecution and the right to live in another country. It is granted to people who have been persecuted based on their race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or membership in a particular social group. People from countries around the world come to the United States to seek asylum because their lives are threatened by violence, war, poverty, hunger, environmental degradation, sexual abuse, and other conditions.
In recent years, an increased number of people have sought asylum in the U.S. During fiscal year (FY) 2024, USCIS found that nearly 70,500 people had credible fear of persecution and were eligible for asylum. This significant increase in applications was due to several factors, including a historic influx of migrants at the southern U.S. border and a presidential proclamation that restricts access to asylum.
Asylum interviews are a critical part of the process. They are conducted by an immigration officer with experience in handling asylum cases and must be held in person at a USCIS field office or a designated facility. Asylum officers review a full personal statement, documents, and other evidence submitted with the asylum application. They also interview the applicant and his or her family members.
Delays in the asylum process can be detrimental to applicants and their families. It can mean that family members remain in their home countries in dangerous circumstances, or that they must travel to join the applicant in the U.S. Long adjudication timelines can also make it difficult for asylum seekers to secure employment or access essential services such as trauma recovery.