The right to asylum, both a form of protection and an immigration status granted by the government, is available to those who have been genuinely persecuted in their home countries for political reasons. To qualify for asylum, a person must prove they have both past persecution on one or more of the five protected grounds (race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, and political opinion) and a well-founded fear of future persecution.
Although the United States does not guarantee legal representation for people seeking asylum, many nonprofit and faith-based organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to individuals displaced by violence or other disasters in their native countries. For some, this is their only hope of regaining stability and safety in the United States.
An individual may apply for asylum by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with USCIS. The applicant must submit a full personal statement that includes their background and how they were harmed or persecuted, along with supporting evidence that demonstrates their claims.
Generally, the interviewer will ask the applicant to explain why they believe their fears are well-founded and what they would do if returned to their country of origin. The interviewer will also ask if there is any evidence that supports their statements. It is important for the applicant to be able to answer these questions in their own words. This is the most powerful way to prove that they have a well-founded fear of persecution.