Generally, applicants file an application for both asylum and withholding of removal at the same time on Form I-589. In order to be granted withholding of removal, the applicant must meet a higher standard than for asylum.
Instead of having to prove that their fear of persecution is “well-founded,” people seeing withholding must demonstrate it is “more likely than not” that they would be persecuted in their home country if forced to return there, unless they can prove that they have suffered persecution on account of a protected ground ...
You may only file this application if you are physically present in the United States, and you are not a U.S. citizen. At this time, the option to file an online Form I-589 is only available for certain affirmative asylum applicants.
We encourage you to file Form I-589 online. If you decide to mail your Form I-589, mail it to the USCIS lockbox that has jurisdiction over your place of residence—not to a USCIS service center. Go to the “Where to File” section of USCIS' Form I-589 page to see the most up-to-date mailing addresses.
If you are eligible to apply for asylum with USCIS as outlined in the section above, you may file your Form I-589 with USCIS online or by mail depending on your situation.
You cannot adjust your status from withholding of removal. However, if you entered the US lawfully, and you married a US citizen, you can seek a joint motion with ICE to ask the Judge to allow you to reopen your case, and then apply for adjustment of status. Please click the link below for additional information.
If you are eligible to apply for asylum with USCIS as outlined in the section above, you may file your Form I-589 with USCIS online or by mail depending on your situation.