What is the difference between U.S. refugee status and asylum?
Both “asylum and “U. S. refugee status” refer to a form of refugee protection that is based on establishing a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Persons who seek U.S. refugee status must apply for admission to the U.S. Refugee Program while overseas. Asylum is a status that one applies for either upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry or after entry into the U.S., but one must file within one year of arrival. • Is there a USCIS form used to apply for asylum? The USCIS Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, is used to apply for asylum. The applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 who are present in the U.S. will be included in the application and will be granted asylum if the principal applicant is approved. There is no processing fee for this application. • Should I just complete the Form I-589 and send it in? The asylum process is very complex. We str
