Asylum status is a form of protection available to those who are already in the United States or seeking admission at a port or entry.

Every year people come to the United States seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution due to race, nationality, religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Anyone seeking asylum in the United States may apply regardless of their country of origin or current immigration status. Applications must be filed within one year of arrival to the United States and can include spouse and children at any time until a final decision has been made.

To be considered for asylum within the United States, you must meet these generals requirements:

• You are physically present in the United States, regardless of how you arrived,

• You are in the United States less than one year from the date of your last arrival and

• You can demonstrate that you were persecuted or that you fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

You may include your spouse and children on your application, if they are in the United States, and if the children are unmarried and under 21 years old. You can include them at the time of your filing or at any time until a final decision is made on your case.