The INS grants aliens political asylum in
the United States based upon a well-founded fear of persecution in
ones home country due to ones race, religion, nationality, political
opinion or membership in a particular social group. The fact that one
is suffering economically is not considered a reason for asylum. A
person must request political asylum within one year of arriving in
the United States, unless exceptional circumstances can be shown. The
asylum officer or Immigration Judge will determine if the applicant's
subjective fear of returning to his or her home country is supported
by objective evidence and whether the applicant is credible. If political
asylum is granted, the applicant is allowed to remain in the United
States and eventually obtain permanent.
