[header] How to apply for political asylum [title] Understand asylum. [step] Asylum is a benefit that allows certain foreign nationals to remain lawfully in the united states for an indefinite amount of time. Once the person granted asylum has been in the united states for a year, he or she can apply for a green card, which grants lawful permanent residence. 
[substeps] Asylum can be " affirmative " or " defensive. " with affirmative asylum, you apply on your own initiative.