Resources for asylum-seekers in the United States
Asylum Information
Resources and information explaining the asylum process in the United States, including the I-589 application and other forms.
- How to apply for asylum in the U.S. pro se (representing oneself without an attorney);
- Affirmative versus defensive asylum;
- Información sobre asilo en los Estados Unidos.
Legal Aid Contact Information
UNHCR does not provide legal advice and encourages all individuals to consult with a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.
- What to expect from a legal representative and how to avoid fraud;
- Contact information for non-governmental organizations and free or low-cost attorneys;
Country Reports
Country Reports are submitted as part of the asylum application to provide background information. Reports can cover the following:
- General conditions;
- State of human rights;
- Major events and developments in a country.
LGBTI Claim Resources
Information on seeking protection in the United States for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI) individuals.
- Pro se guide for seeking asylum based on sexual orientation;
- Know your rights resources and UNHCR guidance note;
- Recursos para inmigrantes lesbianas, gais, bisexuales, transexuales y intersexuales (LGBTI).
Gang Claim Resources
Information on seeking protection in the United States for individuals fleeing gang violence.
- Resource manual for seeking asylum based on fears of gang violence;
- Country reports detailing gang violence along with UNHCR guidance notes;
- Recursos para solicitar asilo en los EE.UU. para individuos huyendo violencia de las pandillas.
Statelessness
Information on the specific protection needs of stateless individuals.
- What it means to be stateless in the U.S.;
- Forms of relief for stateless individuals;
- Additional UNHCR guidance and reports.
Contact Information
Please note the UNHCR Regional Office Washington is not able to accept walk-in appointments or provide cash assistance.
Please consult help.unhcr.org/usa for information for asylum-seekers and refugees.
UNHCR global directory: If you have fled your country of origin, you may wish to contact the UNHCR office in your current country of residence for assistance. UNHCR may assist individuals in their country of origin only in limited situations where UNHCR is authorized to work with internally displaced persons. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are individuals who have been forced to flee their home but still reside in their country of origin.
If you are a refugee or asylum-seeker in need of assistance in the United States, you can call +1 202-461-2356 to leave a message at any time for UNHCR Regional Office Washington. You will receive a call back during normal business hours. Inquiries can also be made by email at [email protected] For refugees and asylum-seekers detained in the United States, we operate a toll-free protection hotline Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2pm - 5pm EST with telephonic interpretation available. The protection hotline is accessible by dialing #566 from within detention facilities.
If you are aware of additional resources relevant to asylum in the United States that should be added to this website, please contact our office by email at [email protected]
For information on how you can help refugees and asylum seekers, please visit USA for UNHCR.
Government Resources
ICE Detainee Locator: This official webpage from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be used to locate individuals who are currently in ICE custody or have been released from ICE custody for any reason within the last 60 days.
EOIR Hotline: This hotline provided by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) provides individuals with automated immigration court information in English and Spanish. Users can dial 240-314-1500 or 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) to obtain case status information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS, a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for granting immigration and citizenship benefits, including green cards, family reunification, Temporary Protected Status, and visas. Their homepage provides more information regarding these services.