Asylum is a form of protection that may be granted to persons who meet the refugee definition. Asylum seekers usually arrive in a country without travel documents, and often have no family or other ties to the country. To qualify for asylum, a person must show that he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

If an asylum seeker is deemed to meet the refugee definition, he or she is granted protection and allowed to remain in the country. Asylum seekers are often subject to detention and may face difficult living conditions while their application is being processed. However, for those who are granted asylum, it can be an opportunity for a fresh start in a safe and welcoming country.