In reality, approval rates in the US are among the highest in the world, partially because the US legal system gives multiple shots at winning approval. However, everything is situational. If you're coming out of Sweden, the chances probably aren't very good at all. However, we do get some applicants from there anyway.
In order to get asylum under US law which is based in international law these days, you have to show past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution if you were forced to return. Any act of persecution has to be based on one of the five grounds, race, nationality, political opinion, religion or membership in a particular social group. the last would take quite a while to explain properly.
However, legally an act that might amount to past persecution if it were based on one of the five grounds, would not be persecution if it were not. As an example, let's say the police picked you up and tortured you, would not amount to persecution if they did it only because you're a burglar. The same act of torture would be an act of persecution if you were arrested because you were a Jehovah's Witness.
A well-founded fear of future persecution is obviously more difficult to prove, as it's not based on something that has already happened. However you would not have to prove that you would definitely be persecuted if you were to return, or even that you would face a 50/50 possibility of persecution in order to be approved.
You cannot apply for asylum in the US unless you are physically present in the US. If you think these things apply to you, you should consider talking to an immigration lawyer and there are some non-governmental agencies that are willing to represent you for free, if they believe you.
However, asylum officers are recruited from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Many have considerable experience overseas. Don't expect to just show up and impress the innocent and ignorant American. Many asylum officers are themselves former refugees, among other things. However, if you have a real claim, by all means you should apply. Check out uscis.gov for more information.
2007-08-22 14:05:37
·
answer #1
·
answered by George L 7
·
1⤊
0⤋
I f you are coming from Cuba it is pretty easy.
I think it it easier to get asylum in Canada than in the U.S. coming from most anywhere else, though.
2007-08-23 21:31:35
·
answer #2
·
answered by Theresa 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
It could be difficult depending on where you are from and the reasons for requesting asylum.
2007-08-22 07:35:14
·
answer #3
·
answered by Chief Yellow Horse 4
·
0⤊
0⤋