Atlanta, GA family law attorney Judith Delus Montgomery talks about asylum. Asylum can be granted through several avenues, typically rooted in factors such as race, gender, creed, religion, and political affiliations. These are the primary grounds on which individuals may seek asylum. Although everyone is entitled to seek asylum from another country, the process involves demonstrating credible evidence of persecution in one’s home country. Proving eligibility for asylum is a challenging task, requiring more than a mere assertion of persecution.

Individuals granted asylum are typically given temporary admission to the host country, allowing them an opportunity to seek assistance from organizations or retain legal representation for asylum hearings. The burden of proof lies in substantiating the claim of persecution, which may involve presenting compelling evidence such as videos, pictures, clothing, or newspaper articles that vividly illustrate the adverse circumstances.

For instance, in a country experiencing political upheaval, like the current civil unrest in Haiti or Paris, an individual seeking asylum may present a compelling argument. They might assert that their involvement in politics in their home country has made them a target, and returning would expose them and their family to potential harm. This could be due to a change in government or political circumstances conflicting with their beliefs, leading to threats on their lives. Asylum, in essence, provides a protective status for individuals facing persecution in their home country, allowing them refuge in another country based on compelling evidence of the threats they face.