Asylum seekers request safe haven in the United States and other countries because they fear persecution in their homeland. Asylum seekers are not the same as refugees. Asylum seekers first obtain admittance to the U.S., and then apply for protection. Refugees apply for protection while still outside of the United States.
Immigrants who are in the U.S. may request asylum if they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. An asylum seeker has only one year to apply for asylum after entering the U.S..
For more information about applying for asylum please contact the Asylum Program of Arizona
710 E. Speedway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: 520-623-4555
Fax: 520-721-4479
Political Asylum and Refugee Status Article
The Asylum Program of Arizona
Legal Services Corporation