The United States offers a chance for those who otherwise are not eligible to be in the country to seek asylum.

Basically, anyone who either has been persecuted or has a reasonable fear of being persecuted in their home country can ask for asylum and, thus, remain in the United States.  The persecution has to be on the basis of race, religion, or one’s ethnicity, although not necessarily at the hands of one’s own official government.

One’s political opinions or membership in a particular group can also be the basis for an asylum claim.

Applying for asylum is complicated

Seeking asylum is a complicated process and will often require the assistance of experienced immigration professional.

Basically, after filling out paperwork and having an interview, a United States official will either grant asylum or will refer the matter to the Immigration Court for an independent review.

In some cases, such as when an immigrant already is authorized to be in the United States, the officer may outright deny the request for asylum.

A person facing removal proceedings in an Immigration Court may also attempt to raise asylum as ground for avoiding deportation.

Asylum can mean a new life for an Arizona resident

For a Phoenix resident, though, a grant of asylum can mean the start of a new life in the United States. A grant of asylum can extend to a person’s spouse and children who are still minors and dependent on the person.

Asylum does not expire automatically, so a person with it may live and, with the right authorization, work in the United States indefinitely.

While the government can revoke asylum for certain reasons, it is also important to remember that a grant of asylum can be the gateway for establishing permanent residence in the United States.