Families fleeing danger have the right to seek asylum—but they face growing barriers. Your gift helps them stay alive and safe.
Asylum is the legal right to live in another country if you are a citizen of your home country and fear persecution there because of your race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or membership in a social group. The right to seek asylum is based on international law and has been part of U.S. law since World War II.
You can apply for asylum either at a U.S. embassy abroad or in the United States, usually at a border crossing or an airport. You must submit a detailed application and provide a lot of information about the harm you suffered in your home country. The USCIS office in charge of processing asylum applications will hold a hearing to determine whether you meet the qualifications for asylum.
If you are found not eligible for asylum, the office will refer your case to immigration court for removal (“deportation”) proceedings. But if you have some other valid status in the United States, such as a student or visitor visa, the asylum office will probably let you keep it.
If you are granted asylum, you can get a work permit and a social security number (SSN), which makes it possible to open a bank account, rent an apartment, and find a job. Asylum seekers are also generally eligible for some government benefits, although these programs vary by state. You should check with a refugee and asylum assistance program (or “ORR”) office or the phone number 211 in your area for more information about what benefits are available.