Eligibility for Asylum
If you have been persecuted for being a radio announcer who criticized the government, or if you faced threats for supporting a different political candidate, you may qualify for political asylum. Similarly, if you were threatened or harmed for not complying with government demands, you could have a valid claim. There are various scenarios where asylum relief may apply.
Application Process
Winning your asylum case allows you to stay in the U.S., eventually becoming a legal resident and then a U.S. citizen. Start by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, within one year of arriving in the U.S. There is no fee for this application. You can include your spouse and children in the U.S. on your application, provided your children are under 21 and unmarried.
Work Authorization
You cannot apply for work authorization when you apply for asylum. However, you may apply for employment authorization if no decision has been made on your application and 150 days have passed since filing your complete asylum application, excluding any delays caused by you. File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Bringing Family and Permanent Residence
If granted asylum, you can petition to bring your spouse and children to the U.S. by filing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. Your children must be under 21 and unmarried. File this petition within two years of being granted asylum. There is no fee for this petition. You may apply for a green card one year after being granted asylum.