News & Insights

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Statement

Your personal statement is your chance to:

• Show why you qualify for asylum under U.S. immigration law.
• Describe the persecution you faced or fear due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
• Connect your experiences to the legal definitions in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 208.

2. Recommended Format for Your Asylum Story

A. Opening Section – Overview of Your Claim

• Start with your full name, date of birth, and nationality.
• Clearly state that you are seeking asylum in the United States due to persecution or fear of persecution.
• Briefly mention the protected ground(s) relevant to your case (e.g., religion, political opinion).

B. Chronological Narrative

Background Information:

• Describe your upbringing, education, and family background.
• Mention any factors that may have made you vulnerable to persecution.

Details of Persecution:

• Provide a chronological account of events where you experienced harm or threats.
• Be specific: include dates, locations, names of individuals or groups responsible, and how they targeted you.
• Explain the methods of persecution (e.g., physical harm, threats, discrimination, imprisonment).

Efforts to Seek Protection:

• Describe any attempts to seek help or protection in your home country, such as reporting to authorities.
• Explain why those efforts were unsuccessful or why authorities could not protect you.

Journey to the U.S.:

• Outline the events leading to your departure from your home country.
• Explain why you chose the U.S. as your place of refuge.

Fear of Return:

• Detail the specific reasons you fear returning to your home country.
• Provide evidence of ongoing danger or systemic issues (e.g., country conditions reports).

C. Supporting Evidence

• Reference documents, news articles, or expert testimony that support your claims.
• Ensure consistency between your statement and other evidence submitted with your Form I-589.

D. Closing Section

• Reiterate your need for protection.
• Express gratitude for the opportunity to present your story.

3. Writing Tips

• Be Honest and Accurate: Never exaggerate or fabricate details. Inconsistencies can harm your credibility.
• Be Detailed but Concise: Include enough detail to paint a clear picture, but avoid unnecessary repetition.
• Use Plain Language: Write in simple, clear sentences. Avoid legal jargon.
• Explain Your Emotions: Share how the events affected you emotionally and psychologically.
• Seek Help if Needed: Consult an experienced immigration attorney or legal aid organization for guidance.

4. Legal Basis

Your statement should align with the asylum eligibility criteria under INA § 208 and related federal regulations, including 8 C.F.R. § 1208.13. These provisions require you to show that you:

• Experienced past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution.
• Cannot safely relocate within your home country.
• Suffered persecution based on one or more protected grounds.