Many people are forced to flee their homes due to violence, hunger, extreme poverty, the effects of climate change or discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a PSG (such as homosexuality) or political opinion. Approximately 89 million people were forcibly displaced across the world in 2021.
People who seek asylum often experience a range of emotions and are confronted with challenges that have an impact on their integration into Western societies. The impact of their migration on the broader society is often a matter for debate, and is reflected in a wide variety of views from different social groups.
Generally, applicants must prove that they have a credible fear of persecution if their claim is to be successful. To establish such a fear, they must be able to demonstrate that they were subjected to persecution in the past or are at risk of being persecuted in the future for one of the five protected grounds.
Those who are granted asylum are protected from being deported to their country of origin. However, they are not permitted to work or travel freely. They must show up for ICE check-ins and have access to legal help. In order to avoid being detained during a check-in, ask for an appointment with a lawyer beforehand or go together with someone who is a US citizen.
About the Author
