8 U.S.C. § 1158

(a)

Authority to apply for asylum

(1)

In general

section 1225(b) of this titleAny alien who is physically present in the United States or who arrives in the United States (whether or not at a designated port of arrival and including an alien who is brought to the United States after having been interdicted in international or United States waters), irrespective of such alien’s status, may apply for asylum in accordance with this section or, where applicable, .

(2)

Exceptions

(A)

Safe third country

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien if the Attorney General determines that the alien may be removed, pursuant to a bilateral or multilateral agreement, to a country (other than the country of the alien’s nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, the country of the alien’s last habitual residence) in which the alien’s life or freedom would not be threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and where the alien would have access to a full and fair procedure for determining a claim to asylum or equivalent temporary protection, unless the Attorney General finds that it is in the public interest for the alien to receive asylum in the United States.

(B)

Time limit

Subject to subparagraph (D), paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien unless the alien demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the application has been filed within 1 year after the date of the alien’s arrival in the United States.

(C)

Previous asylum applications

Subject to subparagraph (D), paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien if the alien has previously applied for asylum and had such application denied.

(D)

Changed circumstances

An application for asylum of an alien may be considered, notwithstanding subparagraphs (B) and (C), if the alien demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Attorney General either the existence of changed circumstances which materially affect the applicant’s eligibility for asylum or extraordinary circumstances relating to the delay in filing an application within the period specified in subparagraph (B).

(E)

Applicability

section 279(g) of title 6Subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall not apply to an unaccompanied alien child (as defined in ).

(3)

Limitation on judicial review

No court shall have jurisdiction to review any determination of the Attorney General under paragraph (2).

(b)

Conditions for granting asylum

(1)

In general

(A)

Eligibility

section 1101(a)(42)(A) of this titleThe Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may grant asylum to an alien who has applied for asylum in accordance with the requirements and procedures established by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General under this section if the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General determines that such alien is a refugee within the meaning of .

(B)

Burden of proof

(i)

In general

section 1101(a)(42)(A) of this titleThe burden of proof is on the applicant to establish that the applicant is a refugee, within the meaning of . To establish that the applicant is a refugee within the meaning of such section, the applicant must establish that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant.

(ii)

Sustaining burden

The testimony of the applicant may be sufficient to sustain the applicant’s burden without corroboration, but only if the applicant satisfies the trier of fact that the applicant’s testimony is credible, is persuasive, and refers to specific facts sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant is a refugee. In determining whether the applicant has met the applicant’s burden, the trier of fact may weigh the credible testimony along with other evidence of record. Where the trier of fact determines that the applicant should provide evidence that corroborates otherwise credible testimony, such evidence must be provided unless the applicant does not have the evidence and cannot reasonably obtain the evidence.

(iii)

Credibility determination

Considering the totality of the circumstances, and all relevant factors, a trier of fact may base a credibility determination on the demeanor, candor, or responsiveness of the applicant or witness, the inherent plausibility of the applicant’s or witness’s account, the consistency between the applicant’s or witness’s written and oral statements (whenever made and whether or not under oath, and considering the circumstances under which the statements were made), the internal consistency of each such statement, the consistency of such statements with other evidence of record (including the reports of the Department of State on country conditions), and any inaccuracies or falsehoods in such statements, without regard to whether an inconsistency, inaccuracy, or falsehood goes to the heart of the applicant’s claim, or any other relevant factor. There is no presumption of credibility, however, if no adverse credibility determination is explicitly made, the applicant or witness shall have a rebuttable presumption of credibility on appeal.

(2)

Exceptions

(A)

In general

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien if the Attorney General determines that—

(i)

the alien ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion;

(ii)

the alien, having been convicted by a final judgment of a particularly serious crime, constitutes a danger to the community of the United States;

(iii)

there are serious reasons for believing that the alien has committed a serious nonpolitical crime outside the United States prior to the arrival of the alien in the United States;

(iv)

there are reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the United States;

(v)

section 1182(a)(3)(B)(i) of this title section 1227(a)(4)(B) of this title section 1182(a)(3)(B)(i) of this title the alien is described in subclause (I), (II), (III), (IV), or (VI) of or (relating to terrorist activity), unless, in the case only of an alien described in subclause (IV) of , the Attorney General determines, in the Attorney General’s discretion, that there are not reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the United States; or

(vi)

the alien was firmly resettled in another country prior to arriving in the United States.

(B)

Special rules

(i)

Conviction of aggravated felony

For purposes of clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), an alien who has been convicted of an aggravated felony shall be considered to have been convicted of a particularly serious crime.

(ii)

Offenses

The Attorney General may designate by regulation offenses that will be considered to be a crime described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (A).

(C)

Additional limitations

The Attorney General may by regulation establish additional limitations and conditions, consistent with this section, under which an alien shall be ineligible for asylum under paragraph (1).

(D)

No judicial review

There shall be no judicial review of a determination of the Attorney General under subparagraph (A)(v).

(3)

Treatment of spouse and children

(A)

In general

A spouse or child (as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of this title) of an alien who is granted asylum under this subsection may, if not otherwise eligible for asylum under this section, be granted the same status as the alien if accompanying, or following to join, such alien.

(B)

Continued classification of certain aliens as children

section 1159(b)(3) of this titleAn unmarried alien who seeks to accompany, or follow to join, a parent granted asylum under this subsection, and who was under 21 years of age on the date on which such parent applied for asylum under this section, shall continue to be classified as a child for purposes of this paragraph and , if the alien attained 21 years of age after such application was filed but while it was pending.

(C)

Initial jurisdiction

section 1225(b)(1)(E) of this title section 279(g) of title 6 section 1225(b) of this titleAn asylum officer (as defined in ) shall have initial jurisdiction over any asylum application filed by an unaccompanied alien child (as defined in ), regardless of whether filed in accordance with this section or .

(c)

Asylum status

(1)

In general

In the case of an alien granted asylum under subsection (b), the Attorney General—

(A)

shall not remove or return the alien to the alien’s country of nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, the country of the alien’s last habitual residence;

(B)

shall authorize the alien to engage in employment in the United States and provide the alien with appropriate endorsement of that authorization; and

(C)

may allow the alien to travel abroad with the prior consent of the Attorney General.

(2)

Termination of asylum

Asylum granted under subsection (b) does not convey a right to remain permanently in the United States, and may be terminated if the Attorney General determines that—

(A)

the alien no longer meets the conditions described in subsection (b)(1) owing to a fundamental change in circumstances;

(B)

the alien meets a condition described in subsection (b)(2);

(C)

the alien may be removed, pursuant to a bilateral or multilateral agreement, to a country (other than the country of the alien’s nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, the country of the alien’s last habitual residence) in which the alien’s life or freedom would not be threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and where the alien is eligible to receive asylum or equivalent temporary protection;

(D)

the alien has voluntarily availed himself or herself of the protection of the alien’s country of nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, the alien’s country of last habitual residence, by returning to such country with permanent resident status or the reasonable possibility of obtaining such status with the same rights and obligations pertaining to other permanent residents of that country; or

(E)

the alien has acquired a new nationality and enjoys the protection of the country of his or her new nationality.

(3)

Removal when asylum is terminated

1 So in original. Probably should be “sections”.

An alien described in paragraph (2) is subject to any applicable grounds of inadmissibility or deportability under section  1182(a) and 1227(a) of this title, and the alien’s removal or return shall be directed by the Attorney General in accordance with sections 1229a and 1231 of this title.

(d)

Asylum procedure

(1)

Applications

The Attorney General shall establish a procedure for the consideration of asylum applications filed under subsection (a). The Attorney General may require applicants to submit fingerprints and a photograph at such time and in such manner to be determined by regulation by the Attorney General.

(2)

Employment

An applicant for asylum is not entitled to employment authorization, but such authorization may be provided under regulation by the Attorney General. An applicant who is not otherwise eligible for employment authorization shall not be granted such authorization prior to 180 days after the date of filing of the application for asylum.

(3)

Fees

section 1159(b) of this title section 1356(m) of this titleThe Attorney General shall impose fees for the consideration of an application for asylum, for employment authorization under this section, and for adjustment of status under . Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit the authority of the Attorney General to set additional adjudication and naturalization fees in accordance with .

(4)

Notice of privilege of counsel and consequences of frivolous application

At the time of filing an application for asylum, the Attorney General shall—

(A)

advise the alien of the privilege of being represented by counsel and of the consequences, under paragraph (6), of knowingly filing a frivolous application for asylum; and

(B)

provide the alien a list of persons (updated not less often than quarterly) who have indicated their availability to represent aliens in asylum proceedings on a pro bono basis.

(5)

Consideration of asylum applications

(A)

Procedures

The procedure established under paragraph (1) shall provide that—

(i)

asylum cannot be granted until the identity of the applicant has been checked against all appropriate records or databases maintained by the Attorney General and by the Secretary of State, including the Automated Visa Lookout System, to determine any grounds on which the alien may be inadmissible to or deportable from the United States, or ineligible to apply for or be granted asylum;

(ii)

in the absence of exceptional circumstances, the initial interview or hearing on the asylum application shall commence not later than 45 days after the date an application is filed;

(iii)

in the absence of exceptional circumstances, final administrative adjudication of the asylum application, not including administrative appeal, shall be completed within 180 days after the date an application is filed;

(iv)

section 1229a of this title any administrative appeal shall be filed within 30 days of a decision granting or denying asylum, or within 30 days of the completion of removal proceedings before an immigration judge under , whichever is later; and

(v)

section 1229a of this title in the case of an applicant for asylum who fails without prior authorization or in the absence of exceptional circumstances to appear for an interview or hearing, including a hearing under , the application may be dismissed or the applicant may be otherwise sanctioned for such failure.

(B)

Additional regulatory conditions

The Attorney General may provide by regulation for any other conditions or limitations on the consideration of an application for asylum not inconsistent with this chapter.

(6)

Frivolous applications

If the Attorney General determines that an alien has knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum and the alien has received the notice under paragraph (4)(A), the alien shall be permanently ineligible for any benefits under this chapter, effective as of the date of a final determination on such application.

(7)

No private right of action

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to create any substantive or procedural right or benefit that is legally enforceable by any party against the United States or its agencies or officers or any other person.

(e)

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

section 1159(b) of this titleJanuary 1, 2014The provisions of this section and shall apply to persons physically present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or arriving in the Commonwealth (whether or not at a designated port of arrival and including persons who are brought to the Commonwealth after having been interdicted in international or United States waters) only on or after .

June 27, 1952, ch. 477 Pub. L. 96–212, title II, § 201(b)Mar. 17, 198094 Stat. 105 Pub. L. 101–649, title V, § 515(a)(1)Nov. 29, 1990104 Stat. 5053 Pub. L. 103–322, title XIII, § 130005(b)Sept. 13, 1994108 Stat. 2028 Pub. L. 104–132, title IV, § 421(a)Apr. 24, 1996110 Stat. 1270 Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, § 604(a)Sept. 30, 1996110 Stat. 3009–690 Pub. L. 107–56, title IV, § 411(b)(2)Oct. 26, 2001115 Stat. 348 Pub. L. 107–208, § 4Aug. 6, 2002116 Stat. 928 Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, § 101(a)May 11, 2005119 Stat. 302 Pub. L. 110–229, title VII, § 702(j)(4)May 8, 2008122 Stat. 866 Pub. L. 110–457, title II, § 235(d)(7)Dec. 23, 2008122 Stat. 5080 Pub. L. 119–21, title X, § 100018July 4, 2025139 Stat. 385(, title II, ch. 1, § 208, as added , , ; amended , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , (b), , , 303; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

act June 27, 1952, ch. 477 66 Stat. 163 section 1101 of this titleThis chapter, referred to in subsec. (d)(5)(B), (6), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning , , known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under and Tables.

Amendments

Pub. L. 119–21 section 1356(m) of this title section 1356(m) of this title2025—Subsec. (d)(3). substituted “shall impose fees” for “may impose fees” and “Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit the authority of the Attorney General to set additional adjudication and naturalization fees in accordance with .” for “Such fees shall not exceed the Attorney General’s costs in adjudicating the applications. The Attorney General may provide for the assessment and payment of such fees over a period of time or by installments. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the Attorney General to charge fees for adjudication services provided to asylum applicants, or to limit the authority of the Attorney General to set adjudication and naturalization fees in accordance with .”

Pub. L. 110–457, § 235(d)(7)(A)2008—Subsec. (a)(2)(E). , added subpar. (E).

Pub. L. 110–457, § 235(d)(7)(B)Subsec. (b)(3)(C). , added subpar. (C).

Pub. L. 110–229Subsec. (e). added subsec. (e).

Pub. L. 109–13, § 101(a)(1)2005—Subsec. (b)(1). , (2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. heading, and substituted “The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General” for “The Attorney General” and “the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General” for “the Attorney General” in two places.

Pub. L. 109–13, § 101(a)(3)Subsec. (b)(1)(B). , added subpar. (B)

Pub. L. 109–13, § 101(b)Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(v). , substituted “described in” for “inadmissible under” in two places and struck out “removable under” before “section 1227(a)(4)(B)”.

Pub. L. 107–2082002—Subsec. (b)(3). reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “A spouse or child (as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of this title) of an alien who is granted asylum under this subsection may, if not otherwise eligible for asylum under this section, be granted the same status as the alien if accompanying, or following to join, such alien.”

Pub. L. 107–562001—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(v). substituted “(III), (IV), or (VI)” for “(III), or (IV)”.

Pub. L. 104–2081996— substituted “Asylum” for “Asylum procedure” as section catchline and amended text generally, substituting subsecs. (a) to (d) for former subsecs. (a) to (e).

Pub. L. 104–132, § 421(a)section 1182(a)(3)(B)(i) of this title section 1251(a)(4)(B) of this titleSubsec. (a). , inserted at end “The Attorney General may not grant an alien asylum if the Attorney General determines that the alien is excludable under subclause (I), (II), or (III) of or deportable under , unless the Attorney General determines, in the discretion of the Attorney General, that there are not reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the United States.”

Pub. L. 103–3221994—Subsec. (e). added subsec. (e).

Pub. L. 101–6491990—Subsec. (d). added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–229 section 1806 of Title 48 section 705(b) of Pub. L. 110–229 section 1806 of Title 48Amendment by effective on the transition program effective date described in , Territories and Insular Possessions, see , set out as an Effective Date note under .

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, § 101(h)(1)May 11, 2005119 Stat. 305

“(1)

March 1, 2003 The amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if enacted on .

“(2)

May 11, 2005 The amendments made by subsections (a)(3), (b), (c), and (d) [amending this section and sections 1229a and 1231 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this division [] and shall apply to applications for asylum, withholding, or other relief from removal made on or after such date.”

, (2), , , provided that:

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–208Aug. 6, 2002section 8 of Pub. L. 107–208 section 1151 of this titleAmendment by effective , and applicable to certain beneficiary aliens, see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–56Oct. 26, 2001Oct. 26, 2001section 411(c) of Pub. L. 107–56 section 1182 of this titleAmendment by effective , and applicable to actions taken by an alien before, on, or after , and to all aliens, regardless of date of entry or attempted entry into the United States, in removal proceedings on or after such date (except for proceedings in which there has been a final administrative decision before such date) or seeking admission to the United States on or after such date, with special rules and exceptions, see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1996 Amendments

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, § 604(c)Sept. 30, 1996110 Stat. 3009–694

Sept. 30, 1996“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to applications for asylum filed on or after the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [].

Pub. L. 104–132, title IV, § 421(b)Apr. 24, 1996110 Stat. 1270Apr. 24, 1996, , , provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [] and apply to asylum determinations made on or after such date.”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, § 515(b)Nov. 29, 1990104 Stat. 5053 Pub. L. 102–232, title III, § 306(a)(13)Dec. 12, 1991105 Stat. 1752

“(1)

Nov. 29, 1990 The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [amending this section] shall apply to convictions entered before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [] and to applications for asylum made on or after such date.

“(2)

section 1253 of this titleNov. 29, 1990 The amendment made by subsection (a)(2) [amending ] shall apply to convictions entered before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [] and to applications for withholding of deportation made on or after such date.”

, , , as amended by , , , provided that:

Effective Date

Mar. 17, 1980Oct. 1, 1979section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212 section 1101 of this titleSection effective , and applicable to fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year beginning , see , set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under .

Regulations

Pub. L. 110–340, § 2(d)Oct. 3, 2008122 Stat. 3736

“(1)

Issuance of regulations .—

Oct. 3, 20088 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B)(iii)8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(2)(A)(iii)8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(4)(F)8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(G)Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [], the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promulgate final regulations establishing that, for purposes of sections 241(b)(3)(B)(iii) and 208(b)(2)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (; ), an alien who is deportable under section 237(a)(4)(F) of such Act () or inadmissible under section 212(a)(3)(G) of such Act () shall be considered an alien with respect to whom there are serious reasons to believe that the alien committed a serious nonpolitical crime.

“(2)

Authority to waive certain regulatory requirements .—

The requirements of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Administrative Procedure Act’), chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Paperwork Reduction Act’), or any other law relating to rulemaking, information collection, or publication in the Federal Register, shall not apply to any action to implement paragraph (1) to the extent the Attorney General or the Secretary Homeland of [sic] Security determines that compliance with any such requirement would impede the expeditious implementation of such paragraph.”

, , , provided that:

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

section 1551 of this titleFor abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under .

Expeditious Removal for Denied Asylum Applicants

Pub. L. 103–322, title XIII, § 130005Sept. 13, 1994108 Stat. 2028 Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, § 308(e)(1)(P)Sept. 30, 1996110 Stat. 3009–620

“(a)

In General .—

The Attorney General may provide for the expeditious adjudication of asylum claims and the expeditious removal of asylum applicants whose applications have been finally denied, unless the applicant remains in an otherwise valid nonimmigrant status.

“(b)

Employment Authorization .—

[Amended this section.]

“(c)

Authorization of Appropriations .—

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—

“(1)

$64,000,000 for fiscal year 1995;

“(2)

$90,000,000 for fiscal year 1996;

“(3)

$93,000,000 for fiscal year 1997; and

“(4)

$91,000,000 for fiscal year 1998.”

, , , as amended by , (17), , , 3009–621, provided:

Time for Establishment of Asylum Procedure by Attorney General

Pub. L. 96–212, title II, § 204(d)(2)Mar. 17, 198094 Stat. 109

section 201(b) of this titleJune 1, 1980“The Attorney General shall establish the asylum procedure referred to in section 208(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as added by ) [former subsec. (a) of this section] not later than .”

, , , provided that: