People who are leaving their home country because of fear of persecution can come to the U.S. under either Asylum or Refugee status. If you live in a country where you have either experienced persecution, or have reasonable fear that you will face persecution, either by the government or by someone in the government you may be able to come to the U.S. on the basis of Asylum. The persecution you experience or fear must be based upon race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.