U.S. Asylum Facts and Statistics

Author: asylum lawyer Alena Shautsova

Statistics provide a basis for comparison and help determine the estimated effort and probability of obtaining certain results. Some interesting facts and statistics about U.S. asylum and refugee statuses include:

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

• Total number of refugee arrivals in 2010 were 73,293 which was down from 2009 (74,602) but the second highest in a decade
• The greatest percentage of refugees came from Asia (52,695), followed by Africa (13,325)
• The USCIS granted 21,113 individuals asylum affirmatively or defensively
• A total of 11,244 USCIS asylums were granted affirmatively and the regions were:
• • Africa: 2,643
  • Asia: 5,429
  • Europe: 730
  • North America: 1,441
  • Oceania: 8
  • South America: 940
  • Unknown: 53

  (Affirmative asylum refers to applying for asylum within one year after arrival in the United States.)

• A total of 9,869 USCIS Asylums were granted defensively and the regions were:
• • Africa: 2,225
  • Asia: 5,515
  • Europe: 884
  • North America: 643
  • Oceania: 20
  • South America: 486
  • Unknown: 96

  (Defensive asylum refers to applying for asylum as a defense against removal proceedings.)

• Political asylum statistics released by the United States Department of Justice were:
• • 9,869 asylums granted
  • 9,554 asylums denied
  • 1,799 asylums abandoned
  • 7,194 asylums withdrawn
  • 12,129 other

Importance of seeking legal representation in asylum cases

As you can see, the Department of Justice denies nearly as many asylums as it grants. Having an experienced New York immigration attorney on your side to argue your case can make a significant difference in obtaining asylum. Get the legal help you need for a positive result.