Protecting Religious Freedom through Asylum

Do you or a loved one fear persecution in your home country due to your religious beliefs or lack of religious identity? If so, you may be eligible to apply for asylum based on religious grounds. Read more to find out if asylum based on facing or fearing religious persecution is the best option for you.

Summary of Applying for Asylum in the United States

Asylum is a remedy available to people seeking protection from the United States government due to fear of persecution in their home country. You may be eligible for asylum if you fear harm due to one of the following 5 reasons for seeking asylum:

1. Race
2. Religion
3. Nationality
4. Membership in a particular social group
5. Political opinion

In the case of religious asylum, if you have experienced past persecution or fear future persecution because of your religious beliefs, you may be eligible to qualify for asylum in the United States. You must demonstrate your religious beliefs, showing your membership in a religious organization or evidence of practice of a particular religion. You can also show that you have faced harm or fear future harm because you practice or participate in religious activities or affiliate with a religious organization.

The persecution you face or potential fear of persecution must come from your country’s government or from a group your government cannot or will not control. If you have been targeted or are being targeted because of your affiliation with a particular religious group, you may qualify for asylum based on religious grounds.

Who seeks asylum for religious persecution?

Religious persecution can occur in many different forms, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Violent attacks by the state, community, or uncontrolled militant groups.
• Being forced to undergo religious conversion.
• Being forced to participate in religious practices against your will.
• Being objective due to lack of beliefs, that is, being agnostic or atheist.
• Being prevented from practicing your religious beliefs.
• Targeted violence/attacks because you converted from your original religion.
• Being objective due to lack of adherence or refusal to adhere to the religious customs and practices of the state.

Anyone who has suffered or fears the possibility of suffering such forms of religious persecution is eligible to apply for asylum based on religious grounds.

Another important key factor is that asylum applications must be filed within one year from the date of last entry into the United States unless they meet an exception.

Key Elements for Submitting an Asylum Application

Applicants can apply for asylum on various grounds. It is not uncommon for asylum seekers to fear persecution for a combination of reasons, such as race and religion and/or relationship to a particular social group. You can apply for asylum on several grounds, but all the details must be clearly outlined in your application. A solid asylum application requires the following four elements:

1. Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Deportation.
2. A personal statement describing what happened to you and why you fear persecution.
3. Evidence that supports your case.
4. Country conditions that demonstrate why it is dangerous for you to return.

5 Benefits of Asylum

Here are five benefits you can receive as an asylum seeker:

1. Protection from persecution and the ability to practice religion freely.
2. Opportunity to obtain asylum for your spouse and children under 21 years of age.
3. Opportunity to apply for a work authorization permit.
4. Security from deportation from the United States while your asylum application is processed.
5. A path to permanent residence in the United States if you are granted asylum.

Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

The process of filing an asylum application is complex and can be difficult to navigate on your own. An immigration attorney can help you throughout the process and ensure that your application is completed completely, on time, and without errors.

If you would like more information about applying for asylum based on religion, please contact us for an assessment or consultation.