Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal [Form I-589]

Protect your future in the United States: apply for asylum and avoid deportation

If you fear returning to your country because you could be persecuted, harmed, or threatened due to your beliefs, race, religion, orientation, political group, or any other reason protected by law, Form I-589 could be your path to seek protection in the United States.

At Legalízate Ya, we understand that applying for asylum is not just filling out papers — it is telling your story, protecting your life, and building a new beginning.

Table of Contents

• What is Form I-589?
• Who can apply for asylum in the United States?
• Differences between Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT
• Main requirements to apply
• Step-by-step process
• Common mistakes when applying for asylum
• How Legalízate Ya can help you
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Form I-589?

Form I-589 — Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal is the official document filed with USCIS or the immigration court (EOIR) when a person seeks protection against deportation and wishes to remain in the United States because they fear persecution in their home country.

This form also covers applications under:

• Political asylum,
• Withholding of Removal, and
• Protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

Through this process, the government may allow you to legally remain in the United States, work, and eventually apply for permanent residence.

Who can apply for asylum in the United States?

You may apply for asylum if:

• You are physically present in the United States or at a port of entry.
• You have a genuine fear of returning to your country due to persecution or threats based on:
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Nationality
  • Political opinion
  • Membership in a particular social group

Additionally, it is important that you:

• File your application within one year of your arrival in the United States, unless there are exceptional circumstances justifying the delay.
• Have not committed serious crimes or acts of persecution against others.

Differences between Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT

• Asylum: Allows you to legally remain in the United States, apply for a work permit, and, after one year, apply for permanent residence.
• Withholding of Removal: Protects you against deportation but does not grant residence or immigration benefits for family members.
• CAT (Convention Against Torture): Protects individuals who would be tortured if returned to their country, without the need to prove political or social persecution.

👉 In all cases, an immigration attorney can help you identify the best option for your situation.

Main requirements to apply

When filing your asylum application with Form I-589, you must include:

• Your personal history and reason for fear of returning to your country.
• Evidence of past persecution or current threats, if any.
• Proof of identity and nationality (passport, birth certificate, ID document).
• Passport-style photographs.
• Family information, including spouse and minor children currently in the United States.

No filing fee is required for this form.

Step-by-step process

1. Initial evaluation: Determine if you qualify to apply for asylum and under which category.
2. Application preparation: Complete Form I-589 and draft your personal statement with legal support.
3. Submission to USCIS or the immigration court, depending on your case.
4. Biometrics appointment: For fingerprints and background check.
5. Interview or hearing: Where you can tell your story before an asylum officer or immigration judge.
6. Final decision: If your application is approved, you may legally remain in the United States and eventually apply for residence.

Common mistakes when applying for asylum

• Waiting too long to file the application (more than one year after arrival).
• Not including sufficient evidence or detail in the personal statement.
• Providing false or contradictory information.
• Not attending the interview or hearings.
• Not having legal counsel, which can reduce your chances of success.

Remember: your story matters. Every word and every detail can make a difference.

How Legalízate Ya can help you

At Legalízate Ya, we know that behind every asylum application there is a story of courage and hope.
Our legal team has nearly 30 years of combined experience helping immigrants file solid and well-documented applications with USCIS and the immigration courts.

We accompany you at every step: from drafting your story and gathering evidence, to preparing you for your interview or hearing.

We listen to you, guide you, and fight with you to protect your right to remain in the United States.

📞 Contact us today

Are you looking to protect yourself from deportation or fear returning to your country?
Don’t wait any longer. Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.

Legalízate Ya — because everyone deserves to live without fear and with hope.