Introduction
Many people have to leave everything behind, sometimes even in danger of their lives, in order to find safety. Asylum can be the key to freedom for these people and the chance to fulfill basic human rights such as the right to search for safety and to live with dignity in safety. Asylum matters.
People who are seeking asylum have to fulfill certain criteria in order to be granted protection. Once someone has been granted asylum, that person has rights and is protected as a refugee in the United States.
This blog will elaborate on the reasons why asylum matters, the criteria for seeking asylum, and the rights of people granted asylum.
Define Asylum: Understanding the Concept and Its Importance
There are so many people fleeing from their countries today and often they are being persecuted for their faith or in fear of their lives. Many have had to leave their homes to escape and search for safe haven in another country. Here in the U.S. as a country we support human dignity and attempt to protect people and communities around the world who are being threatened. When we grant asylum to these people in desperate need of refuge in our country they are given a second chance at starting life over from scratch. The words “asylum” and “refuge” evoke images in the minds of most of people in grave peril of their lives and of their freedom and that is exactly what there are trying to escape from.
Currently, there are 9 million protection cases pending around the world with the end of the year 2025 being the last time this data was reported. These cases fall under the protection afforded by the U.S. refuge system for individuals facing extreme violence or persecution in their home country and are seeking refuge in another country to be safe. Although an individual is granted asylum within the U.S. this does not necessarily mean that they are a refugee as defined by the UN. Although there are many countries experiencing severe human rights abuses and suffering in varying degrees, individuals and their families are fleeing in search of safety in large numbers. Buduka, an asylum seeker from Nigeria, and his family fled their home in search of safety. After much deliberation the family decided that Panama was the best place for them to seek asylum as they felt that they, and their family, would be safe there.
Individuals that are refugees or are trying to flee their countries of origin that are in danger of their lives or are being persecuted are protected by the term non-refoulement as defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention. Non-refoulement is the term for individuals that fear persecution in their country of origin or are in danger of their lives or of having their basic human rights taken away. These individuals should not be returned to or sent to another country where they would be in danger.
Finally, individuals who have been granted refuge in the US can apply for a Green Card within a year of being granted protection in order to allow them the time and means to assimilate in life in the US in order to become productive members of American society and of their local communities in order to grow and to become a positive contributor to the many cultural, artistic and other aspects of their respective communities.
We are trying to help advocate for individuals seeking refuge in the US and the many challenges they face while trying to build a life in this country. Processing times are extremely long for those applying for affirmative refugee protection, or those awaiting a decision on a protection application that was filed defensively. In addition to these long processing times, there are also many backlogs of protection applications, for example 1.4 million affirmative refugee applications have been pending for years. We just want to show that there are real people trying to escape war, persecution, etc. who deserve respect, kindness and to be treated fairly while trying to rebuild their lives in a new country.
Context and History: The Evolution of Asylum in International Law
Millions of families face struggles trying to find refuge in our extremely complex system. When WW II ended, the world came together and established laws to protect the growing number of refugees that were trying to escape their war-torn countries for safe haven. It allowed those searching for refuge and the countries that would be hosting them to have clear guidelines on how to deal with this increasing issue.
After the WW II agreements were put into place, the world continued to evolve, and as the world changed, so did the system of agreements set up to allow individuals and families searching for safe haven to seek refuge in other countries. In 1980, the U.S. established a clearly defined process of procedures for individuals claiming asylum, hoping to provide them with the safe haven they’re seeking.
In recent months, thousands of women and children have arrived on our shores and are hoping to begin new lives with their families. However, for many of them, their arduous journey to become a legal resident of the U.S. has only just begun. It has proven to be a long, grueling process in recent years, with families having to wait for long periods of time for answers to the many questions surrounding their individual applications.
Although it appears to be an almost insurmountable task to facilitate the entrance of all the families seeking safe haven, there is still hope. However, many are unaware of the asylum process and of what it’s actually like to be granted asylum and to be given the safe haven here that they’re searching for. They are a group of the bravest individuals from some of the most violent, bloodied countries in existence, searching for peace and hoping to start new lives in peace. And all they’re searching for is justice and compassion in our fight for justice for them.
Key Characteristics: Criteria and Processes for Granting Asylum
Refugee Processing made simple for you! Showing that you have a fear of persecution (based on things such as the victim’s race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion) and the steps that you go through with interviews and background checks can be a grueling process. Waiting months to years for your case to be processed can be very hard for a refugee. Many refugees have a hearing in front of an Immigration Judge before their case is approved and processed. As of FY 2024, Refugee applicants are waiting on average 1,287 days (approximately 43 months) from the time their case was finalized for processing of their Refugee application.
The grant of asylum to a Refugee means that he or she will be permitted to live and work in the United States for one year and, after that, he or she may apply for a Green Card to allow him or her to reside permanently in the United States. As of 2023, there have been many new asylum safeguards to be put into place. The number of affirmative protection requests filed by USCIS in 2023 increased almost to double that of the prior year. New disqualifications for protection and strict deadlines have complicated a system that was already very difficult to navigate.
The process of approving refugee applications for individuals who have fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion is a very difficult and long process for many individuals. The process requires the individual to demonstrate that they have a genuine fear of persecution. That they go through interviews and background checks. And often have a hearing in front of an Immigration Judge. Currently, refugee applications are being processed in months to years as there is a massive backlog of applications waiting to be processed. In FY 2024, the average amount of time that it took to finalize refugee applications was 1,287 days or approximately 43 months. If a refugee application is granted, then typically the individual is granted protection for one year. During this time, the individual can apply for work authorization. And seek protection in the United States. After one year of protection, granted asylum applicants can apply for permanent residency by applying for a green card.
Recent asylum process changes make it more difficult for some individuals to apply for asylum and for those who do apply for asylum to be granted asylum protection. For example, individuals applying for asylum protection must file their applications within a certain time frame and there are additional grounds on which an asylum applicant can be disqualified from asylum protection. In fact, the number of affirmative protection requests filed by USCIS in 2023 almost doubled from the number filed in the prior year. It is positive for individuals seeking refuge safeguards that new disqualifications for asylum applicants present additional hurdles that genuinely persecuted individuals will need to overcome in order to obtain needed refuge safeguards and protection. Getting refugee status approved can be a long and arduous process, but having a skilled immigration attorney like those at the Vasquez Law Firm can make a huge difference in the approval of your application in a timely manner. If you have a case and would like to know more about how our experienced immigration lawyers can assist you in the process of applying for refugee status, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us today. Our experienced immigration lawyers and bilingual staff are here to answer your questions regarding your case, to help clarify your choices, and to explain your rights. To schedule a free consultation with experienced immigration lawyers from Vasquez Law Firm, follow these 3 easy steps:
- Complete our contact form with your name, email address, phone number, and your case type;
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- Complete the message field and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Significance of Granted Asylum: Rights and Protections for Asylees
Every day millions of people are hiding in fear around the world for the possibility that they could be deported to their country of origin and killed or persecuted. Millions of those individuals make their way to the United States as asylum seekers. After they have gone through the process of being granted asylum, they are granted a special status that will protect them from being deported and allow them to start fresh in the U.S. These individuals are referred to as asylees. Asylees are granted the status of being able to work in the U.S. to support themselves and their families. Additionally, asylees are eligible to receive public benefits, such as cash assistance, health insurance, and food assistance, that will allow them to integrate into society and become a contributing member of their community in order to achieve their ultimate goal of starting fresh and becoming successful here in the U.S.
After one year of being granted protected status, many individuals seek approval of family members to join them in the U.S. as permanent residents. Others seek approval of their spouses and children to join them in the U.S. as permanent residents. After being granted asylum, individuals and their families can apply for a Green Card. The Green Card will allow the individual who was granted asylum and their family members to live permanently in the U.S. after having endured extreme hardship and persecution in their home country. They will be able to live their lives without fear of persecution and create a new home for themselves and their families.
At Vasquez Law Firm, we support asylees through the often complex process in achieving their goal. We can assist the asylee with the asylum application as well as other areas of immigration law. Our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there is no charge to client unless case is won. For other cases, we have payment plans to meet our client’s financial needs. We believe no one should have to worry about paying for help of trying to seek justice for persecution of self or family member. We are here to assist you in obtaining your asylum rights and help you and your family members to build a new life here in the U.S.
Conclusion
Asylum can be more than just a word; it can be a lifeline to people who have been persecuted in their own country. Understanding what Asylum means and the rights that Asylees have is vital to both those trying to seek Asylum in another country and the country’s host communities.
For many Asylees, trying to get through the asylum process can be very daunting and can require a lot of work to try and get the protection that they deserve. However, with the right support and the right compassionate and skilled legal assistance, it can make all the difference.
Once an individual has been granted Asylum, they have the right to work, to apply for public benefits, and after one year to apply for permanent residency. For many people, the journey to Asylum is long and arduous, but for many, it is also a journey of hope to a new home where they can start again and grow.
Many Asylees come to a country where they do not speak the language of the country, and so finding justice can be difficult. But with the right support, Asylees should be able to receive fair treatment, and it is also important that we help to support them to enrich the host communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asylum?
Asylum is a form of international protection granted to individuals fleeing persecution or danger in their home country. It allows them to seek refuge in another country, such as the U.S., where they can start over and live safely.
Why is asylum important?
Asylum is important because it provides a second chance for individuals and families who are escaping severe violence, persecution, or threats to their lives and freedoms. It supports human dignity and protects those in desperate need of refuge.
How many protection cases are currently pending worldwide?
As of the end of 2025, there are approximately 9 million protection cases pending around the world, which fall under the U.S. refugee system for individuals facing extreme violence or persecution.
What is the difference between asylum seekers and refugees?
While both asylum seekers and refugees are fleeing danger, an individual granted asylum in the U.S. is not necessarily classified as a refugee according to UN definitions. Refugees typically seek protection before arriving in a new country, while asylum seekers apply for protection after arriving.
What does non-refoulement mean?
Non-refoulement is a principle defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention that protects individuals from being returned to a country where they would face persecution or danger to their lives or basic human rights.
Can individuals granted asylum in the U.S. apply for a Green Card?
Yes, individuals who have been granted asylum in the U.S. can apply for a Green Card within one year of receiving protection, allowing them to assimilate and contribute to American society.
What challenges do asylum seekers face in the U.S.?
Asylum seekers face long processing times for their applications, with significant backlogs. For example, 1.4 million affirmative refugee applications have been pending for years, making it difficult for individuals to rebuild their lives.
How does the U.S. support asylum seekers?
The U.S. supports asylum seekers by providing a legal framework for protection, advocating for their rights, and recognizing the need for respect and fair treatment as they seek to rebuild their lives in a new country.
List of Sources
- Define Asylum: Understanding the Concept and Its Importance
- unhcr.org (https://unhcr.org/us/about-unhcr/who-we-protect/asylum-seekers)
- Asylum | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum)
- Policy Brief: Modernizing America’s Asylum System (https://aila.org/library/policy-brief-modernizing-americas-asylum-system)
- Now is the Time to Protect Asylum, Humanitarian Parole, and Due… (https://vera.org/news/now-is-the-time-to-protect-asylum-humanitarian-parole-and-due-process)
- Context and History: The Evolution of Asylum in International Law
- The Trump Administration’s Alarming New Attacks on Refugees and Asylum Seekers (https://hias.org/news/trump-administrations-alarming-new-attacks-refugees-and-asylum-seekers)
- Refugees and Asylees: Recent Changes in Access to Health Coverage and Other Assistance | KFF (https://kff.org/immigrant-health/refugees-and-asylees-recent-changes-in-access-to-health-coverage-and-other-assistance)
- Refugees and Asylees in the United States (https://migrationpolicy.org/article/refugees-and-asylees-united-states)
- How have the Trump administration’s policies impacted refugees? | The IRC (https://rescue.org/article/how-have-trump-policies-impacted-refugees)
- Key Characteristics: Criteria and Processes for Granting Asylum
- Employment Authorization Reform for Asylum Applicants (https://federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/23/2026-03595/employment-authorization-reform-for-asylum-applicants)
- How are laws changing for asylum seekers? (https://asaptogether.org/en/law-changes-jan-2025)
- New Proposed DHS Rule Effectively Ends Work Authorization for Asylum Applicants (https://tracreports.org/reports/772)
- How New Asylum Approval Rules Affect You in 2026 | Vasquez Law Firm (https://vasquezlawnc.com/blog/asylum-approvals-new-rules)
- DHS Proposes Rule to Prioritize Americans' Safety by Strengthening Screening of Asylum Seekers | Homeland Security (https://dhs.gov/news/2026/02/20/dhs-proposes-rule-prioritize-americans-safety-strengthening-screening-asylum)
- Significance of Granted Asylum: Rights and Protections for Asylees
- Benefits and Services Available for Asylees (https://acf.gov/orr/fact-sheet/benefits-and-services-asylees)
- The Supreme Court says the U.S. can turn away asylum seekers at the border (https://npr.org/2026/06/25/nx-s1-5838860/supreme-court-asylum-policy)
- Trump news at a glance: US asylum policy slated to change after supreme court ruling (https://theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/25/trump-news-at-glance-supreme-court)
- Refugees and Asylees: Recent Changes in Access to Health Coverage and Other Assistance | KFF (https://kff.org/immigrant-health/refugees-and-asylees-recent-changes-in-access-to-health-coverage-and-other-assistance)
- US Court Upholds Right to Seek Asylum (https://hrw.org/news/2026/04/29/us-court-upholds-right-to-seek-asylum)
