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Opening Paragraph: “I am applying for asylum because…” (state your primary reason clearly). Briefly explain your well-founded fear and why you are seeking asylum. Include:

• Your age, gender, and place of origin

• A short explanation of your situation and why you are in the U.S.

• Include a summary of the clear examples you will describe below, showing how harm or fear connects to your reason for asylum.

Use this format throughout:

• Number all paragraphs

• Write in the first person (“I”)

• Begin with background information

• Include one fact per paragraph with details

• Organize events chronologically

• Separate sections by type of fear or harm

Start with Familial / National Background

• Describe where you are from and your living conditions

• Family situation

• Your age at key events

Next, Set the Scene for the Harm or Fear

• Help the reader visualize where and how you lived

• Describe abuse, threats, or violence

• Include past events that explain your fear

• Use names of people and places and other specific stories or details to to build credibility

Organize Harm or Fear into Sections

• Example sections:

  • Familial abuse

  • Gang threats

  • War or political violence

• Clearly connect your fear to one or more protected grounds: Race; Religion; Nationality; Political opinion; Membership in a particular social group (e.g. LGBTQ+ identity)

Next, Shift to Coming to the United States and Contemporary Life

• How you arrived

• Why you came this way

• Why you came now

• Current conditions

• Safety, stability, or ongoing fear

Why You Cannot Return

• Explain clearly why returning would put you in danger

—

Finally, your declaration must be:

1. Signed by you

2. Notarized by a legal notaryInclude a statement at the end confirming:

   • All information is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge

   • The statement is signed by you

Quality Checklist:

• Check grammar and spelling carefully

• Ask a fluent English speaker to review if needed

• Keep paragraphs short

• Be concise and avoid unnecessary details

Simple Affidavit infographic

Example story with structure (Trigger warning: Domestic/Family Violence)

Download an asylum personal statement template here