Asylum: Examples of Evidence Documents to Support an Asylum Application

Obtaining asylum in the United States is no easy task. The immigration system is inundated with requests, and policies continually change in an attempt to reduce the number of immigrants entering the country. New tools and filters have been implemented to sift through these requests, making it even more challenging to seek asylum in the United States.

It’s crucial to understand when and how you can apply for asylum successfully. In this guide, we’ll explore some evidence documents you may use to support an asylum application. 

Asylum is granted to individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Proving persecution or harm in your home country is a crucial step.  

 

How can I prove that I was being persecuted or harmed in my home country?

 

• Personal Testimonies: Provide affidavits or declarations outlining your personal experiences of persecution or fear. Use a detailed narrative to highlight specific incidents, threats, or harm you have faced in your home country.
• Witness Statements or Affidavits: Affidavits or declarations from other individuals (family members, friends, or community members) who have witnessed or can corroborate the persecution or fear can provide additional support. Ensure that these statements are notarized and include specific details. If possible, provide contact information for each witness. 
• Medical Records: If you have physical injuries, scars, or psychological trauma from past persecution, gather medical reports. Expert opinions or evaluations can help corroborate the mental or physical effects.  
• Police Reports or Official Documentation: Include police reports or official documents from authorities that verify instances of persecution, threats, harassment, or violence faced by you or your family. 
• News Articles and Media Reports: If available, collect news articles or media reports that reference the persecution or harm you, your family, or your social group have experienced. 

 

 

How do I prove that I was part of a persecuted social group?

 

Proving membership in a persecuted social group may be a key element. You’ll need to provide evidence that demonstrates the existence of the group, your inclusion in it, and the persecution or harm you faced as a result.  

• Define the Social Group: Clearly define the social group, ensuring it has immutable characteristics fundamental to your identity and is recognized in your home country. 
• Personal Testimony: Explain your membership in the social group. Describe how you identify with the group, the role you played, and any activities or interactions that highlight your membership. 
• Documentation of Organizational Membership: If possible, provide evidence of your membership, activities, and the threats you faced due to your involvement. You can use documents such as photos of group activities, letters, emails, or other forms of communication. Statements or letters from leaders, members, or representatives of the group can help too. 
• Persecution of the social group: Seek expert opinions and reference credible reports and statistics demonstrating the persecution of the social group to support your claim of systemic persecution. 
• Changed Circumstances: Evidence of new threats or political changes targeting your group can demonstrate a deteriorating human rights situation since your departure.  

 

 

How do I prove the government was part of the prosecution or was unable (or unwilling) to do something? 

 

Documenting the government’s role or inability to protect you can be challenging. A well-founded fear of persecution is the standard, and you need to present a credible case.  

• Documented Evidence: Gather official documents directly linking the government or its agents to the persecution you faced. These could include threats, arrest warrants, police reports, court documents, or any other written evidence that demonstrates the government’s involvement. 
• Country Conditions Reports: Reference reputable sources to show a pattern of government persecution or their inability to protect citizens.  
• Media Coverage: Collect media coverage of similar cases where the government was involved in persecution or failed to provide protection. 

 

 

Please remember that the evidence required can vary depending on your unique circumstances. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you in gathering the most appropriate evidence for your asylum application.  

Be aware of important deadlines, such as filing your application within one year of arrival and responding to requests for additional information or attending scheduled interviews or hearings. In the event of a USCIS denial, consult your attorney to explore your options. You may have the option to appeal the decision or may be referred to the immigration court for removal proceedings.  

 

At Armstrong Legal, we would love to hear about your personal immigration story, guide you through the process, and accompany you on the way.

Our office is in Dallas, Texas, but we also offer telephone and virtual consultations. Call us at (469) 844-0020 and schedule a consultation. We will be happy to help!