Asylum or Refugee status is appropriate for foreign nationals in the U.S. who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social or political group.  Before you apply for asylum, learn the facts about asylum by contacting Matthew White of Udall, Shumway & Lyons PLC at 480.461.5302 or mlw@udallshumway.com.
 
It is important to know that if you are in the U.S. illegally or your visa has expired, you can still apply for asylum.  You must typically file for asylum within one year of entering the U.S., but exceptions to the one year filing rule do exist.