Evanston, IL immigration attorney Alen Takhsh talks about how to file for asylum. He discusses that to file for asylum, an applicant must prepare and submit Form I-589 along with supporting documentation to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The applicant must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

He emphasizes that the written statement accompanying the I-589 is the most critical component of the application, likening it to the engine of a vehicle—without it, the application cannot effectively move forward. Supporting documents such as medical records, police reports, and affidavits from friends, family, or colleagues who can attest to the applicant’s experiences are also essential. Any documents in a foreign language should be translated into English.

It is important to note that asylum applications must generally be filed within one year of entering the United States. Exceptions exist, such as demonstrating changed or extraordinary circumstances that prevented filing within that period, which should be explained clearly in the statement.

After submission, USCIS will schedule an interview, during which the applicant will be asked detailed and sometimes difficult questions about their claim. He highlights that the duration of the interview—whether 45 minutes or seven hours—does not determine the outcome; both short and long interviews have resulted in granted asylum. Thorough preparation and detailed, honest responses are critical to maximizing the chances of a successful application.