What is the primary focus of Form I-589?

Form I-589 is specifically designed for individuals seeking asylum in the United States. Its primary focus is to allow applicants to file for asylum or withholding of removal based on a fear of persecution in their home country. This form is essential for those who claim that they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Unlike forms related to family-based or employment-based immigration, which are focused on pathways for gaining legal status through family connections or job offers, Form I-589 centers entirely on the protection of individuals from harm due to their identity or beliefs. Adjustment of Status forms, on the other hand, typically address applicants who are eligible to change their immigration status while in the U.S., which is distinct from the protections sought through asylum. Thus, Form I-589 is uniquely tailored for those in need of refuge, making the focus on asylum and withholding clear and critical in the context of U.S. immigration policy.