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:
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- Africa: 2,643
- Asia: 5,429
- Europe: 730
- North America: 1,441
- Oceania: 8
- South America: 940
- Unknown: 53
- A total of 9,869 USCIS Asylums were granted defensively and the regions were:
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- Africa: 2,225
- Asia: 5,515
- Europe: 884
- North America: 643
- Oceania: 20
- South America: 486
- Unknown: 96
- Political asylum statistics released by the United States Department of Justice were:
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- 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- 7,194 asylums withdrawn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.