Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal | USCIS
Summary: Form I-589 is the official USCIS application used by individuals physically present in the United States to request asylum or withholding of removal under the Immigration and Nationality Act or the Convention Against Torture.
Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, is a 12-page document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is designed for individuals who are physically present in the U.S. to seek protection from persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The form collects comprehensive biographical data on the applicant, their spouse, and children, as well as detailed information regarding the applicant's background, employment, education, and the specific basis for their asylum claim. It also includes sections for applicants to disclose prior immigration court proceedings, travel history, and any potential bars to asylum. The form must be completed in English and submitted according to specific filing instructions, which may vary based on whether the applicant is in removal proceedings (defensive) or not (affirmative).
Document outline
1. Part A.I. Information About You 2. Part A.II. Information About Your Spouse and Children 3. Part A.III. Information About Your Background 4. Part B. Information About Your Application (Basis of Claim) 5. Part C. Additional Information About Your Application 6. Part D. Your Signature and Certification