Political asylum is the right to live in another country if you have fled your own because of persecution. This is a right based on the non-binding Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It has been recognized since ancient times, when people fled to other countries for sanctuary from their persecutors. René Descartes went to the Netherlands, Voltaire to England, and Thomas Hobbes to France because of their belief in this right.
To be eligible for asylum, you must show that you have a well-founded fear of persecution. You may be able to prove your fear by showing past persecution or by showing that conditions have changed and it is dangerous for you to return.
If you have children who are also seeking asylum, they can join your case. This means that you will share the same immigration judge and the same court dates and that your cases are listed together on court documents like your Notice to Appear or Hearing Notice.
You must be interviewed by an asylum officer. This is usually done in the office where you have your biometrics appointment (or at the asylum office). It is best to bring a copy of your interview notice with you and any other documents that you think the officer will want to look at. Make sure that your interpreter is with you at the interview. You should also bring a money order, which you can get at most post offices, banks, and some stores. Make it payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and write your A-number somewhere on it.
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