I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

The I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal allows individuals to apply for protection from persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. It is a form used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It must be filed within one year of arrival in the United States or demonstrate “changed circumstances” that make it impossible to file within the time limit allowed.

The application consists of several sections requesting personal information about an applicant’s identity and background such as name, birth date, country of origin, entry documents used to enter the US, any US travel history as well as details regarding family members including spouse/children. It also requires applicants to explain why they are seeking asylum/withholding of removal and provide evidence that they qualify under any of the five criteria - race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion - outlined in the INA.

Once submitted, USCIS reviews all applications on an individual basis taking into account all evidence provided before making a decision which can take up to several months depending upon the complexity of each case.