Asylum

Asylum is a form of protection granted by a country to individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The asylum process involves individuals seeking this protection once they are at a U.S. port of entry or after entering the country, either legally or illegally. This process is governed by both international law and U.S. federal law. Asylum claims are mainly the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The issue of asylum is influenced by considerations of human rights, national security, immigration policy, and resource allocation.