Political asylum is one of the different immigration statuses there exist which people can use to legally reside in the United States. It can be applied for by individuals who have a “reasonable fear” of persecution by reason of race, religious or political beliefs, or by virtue of belonging to an oppressed group in their country of citizenship.

Besides of belonging to a discriminated or persecuted group, foreigners who may qualify for political asylum must have lived in the United States for at least one year.  People who have this status have permission to legally work in the country. Thus, they do not require an additional permit to do so.

At the same time, the immediate family members of a person who has been granted political asylum may be eligible to obtain this status and enjoy all of its privileges, regardless of their time of residency in the country.

What documents do you need to apply for political asylum?

The documents you need are listed below:

• A foreign I.D. or birth certificate.
• A copy of their passport and form I-94
• 3 passport pictures of the petitioner.
• An affidavit written and signed by the petitioner. This must explain in detail the problems of their country of origin and the reasons why they cannot go back.

If you wish to include your spouse and children in the petition, you must include:

• Your marriage certificate.
• The birth certificates of your underage children.

Additionally, as part of the evidence supplied, you must include documents issued by third parties where the persecution and/or mistreatment in the country of origin is demonstrated. These may include newspaper articles, judicial records or police records, among others.

If you need to apply to asylum and wish to learn more about your immigration situation, you can request an interview with our law firm. We are experts in immigration matters. Contact us.