What is asylum? Asylum is the legal protection available to a person who has fled their native country to escape persecution under five special circumstances: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, and membership in a particular social group. Asylum is available when someone is present in the United States. Someone who is still outside the United States would apply for refugee status. Although many countries have committed to the Convention Against Torture and other treaties that will not return a foreign national to their home country if they are likely to be tortured or killed, … [Read more...]