Millions of people around the world leave their homes in search of safety and protection. They are escaping human rights violations and serious dangers in their own countries, often because they or someone they love has been harmed for who they are, what they believe or have done. In some cases, these people can be granted asylum, a form of international protection.
Asylum is a right in international law and has been recognized by a variety of different governments since ancient times. It is also a common human need, as evidenced by the many refugees who have sought sanctuary throughout history. Rene Descartes went to the Netherlands, Voltaire fled to England and Thomas Hobbes sought protection in France because they could not find it at home.
A person seeking asylum must demonstrate that he or she meets the definition of a refugee and has a “credible fear” of persecution if returned to their country. This is established during an interview conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigration judge during a removal proceeding.
However, it is possible to be denied asylum even if you meet the legal definition of a refugee. For example, if you are found to be a security threat or to have committed certain crimes, you can be denied asylum. Moreover, in some cases individuals who are not eligible for asylum can be granted backstop forms of protection such as withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture. Asylum seekers face long waits for their case to be adjudicated, which can delay access to employment, education and trauma recovery services. This can lead to the deterioration of psychological health, and in some instances, a lack of care can result in severe medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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