Seeking political asylum is a way that you might be able to remain in the United States for an extended period of time. However, it is not available to everyone. There could be restrictions placed upon you once you obtain asylum, so it would probably be wise to confirm that this is the method by which it is most advantageous for you to remain in the country before applying.
To begin the process of applying for asylum, you would have to fill out a specific form offered by the U.S. government. If the relevant government bodies approve your request, you should be able to stay in the United States.
To expand on a point made above, your eligibility for asylum depends on your circumstances. The U.S. government offers this type of political protection for individuals and their families who fear persecution due to at least one of the following:
- Political beliefs or affiliations
- Racial background
- Religious beliefs or practices
- Social group membership
- Nationality or citizenship
You might, for example, apply for asylum if members of your religion were being targeted with violence in your home country. Similarly, you could potentially have grounds for a successful asylum request if your country’s government were evicting members of your racial group from their homes.
The federal government realizes that your request for asylum might be the result of a relatively permanent situation in your home country. Therefore, according to the US Immigration and Citizenship Services website, you could potentially apply for a green card one year after you are approved for asylum. Please do not think of this as legal advice. It is only meant to inform you about the subject.
