Asylum

Refugee status or asylum may be granted to people who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Membership in a particular social group or
• Political opinion

An applicant must apply for asylum within 1 year of arrival to the United States, unless there are changed country conditions, or special circumstances as to why the application could not be filed within a proscribed period of time.

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age, may be included in the application. Married children or children over 21, must file independent applications.

An applicant for asylum may apply for employment authorization while the asylum application is pending, if 150 days have passed since the application was filed, and no decision has been made.

If granted asylum, applicant may apply for adjustment of status after one year.