Asylum, in international law, is shelter and protection given by a nation to a person who is fleeing another nation. Asylum is an ancient idea. Early Israelite and Greek societies offered asylum for certain crimes. In modern times the granting of asylum is guided by national laws and international laws and treaties. According to the United Nations, individuals may seek asylum if they fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, or social or political beliefs. Asylum seekers are typically required to submit formal applications. Many countries are reluctant to accept refugees and have strict standards for asylum.
The two main types of asylum are territorial and nonterritorial. Territorial asylum is granted within a nation’s boundaries. Nonterritorial asylum, commonly called diplomatic asylum, is given in foreign diplomatic missions—such as embassies—and on ships.
The United States bases its asylum policy on international law and the federal Refugee Act of 1980. A number of U.S. agencies work with people seeking asylum in the United States. In Canada, a federal agency dealing with refugees, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, handles requests for political asylum. In the United Kingdom, the agency that processes asylum requests is the UK Border Agency, and in Australia it is the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
