Which statement correctly describes where refugee status and asylum are applied for?

• A. Refugee status is sought from outside the United States; asylum is sought after arrival or at the border.
• B. Refugee status is sought from outside the United States; asylum is sought after arrival or at the border.
• C. Refugee status is granted at the border; asylum is granted automatically at border.
• D. Refugee status requires an employer sponsor; asylum does not.

Answer: (B)

Refugee status and asylum are two protection paths that start in different places. Refugee status is pursued from outside the United States through overseas processing for admission as a refugee, typically via the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Asylum is sought after arrival in the United States or at the border by someone already present in the U.S. or who arrives and requests protection, usually by filing Form I-589 and going through an interview or hearing. This distinction—refugee status being sought abroad, and asylum being sought after entry or at the border—is why that statement best describes where each path is pursued.