request asylum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request asylum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is seeking protection from persecution in their home country and is applying for legal status in another country. Example: "After fleeing their war-torn homeland, they decided to request asylum in a neighboring country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Snowden intended to request asylum in Latin America.

The Guardian

Nearly 1,000 immigrants request asylum in Ireland each month.

The New York Times

More recently, reports have focused on pregnant women who request asylum before giving birth.

The New York Times

Why did Mr. Tesfaye's sister, Aster Kidane, request asylum status in the United States in 1998?

The New York Times

They avoid being fingerprinted so they don't have to request asylum in Sicily.

The Guardian

When those who remain reach the border, they'll present themselves to American officials and request asylum.

The Washington Post

Snowden said he would request asylum in Russia until he was permitted to travel to Latin America.

The Guardian

Those who manage to reach the shores of safety where they can finally request asylum face new hurdles.

University of California, Berkeley

But Hu Jia said on Saturday that Chen had said he "wanted to stay and fight, and not request asylum".

The Guardian

Mr. Scuka says the situation is so grave that many Czech Gypsies ought to be able to request asylum elsewhere.

The New York Times

The government had said it would allow only people who cross at legal checkpoints to request asylum.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal frameworks, be precise in using terms like "request asylum" to reflect the formal process and rights involved.

Common error

Avoid implying that simply "requesting asylum" is an illegal act. Entering a country without authorization may be illegal, but "requesting asylum" is a legal right under international and many national laws. Be precise in distinguishing between these actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request asylum" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally seeking protection in a foreign country. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is acceptable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request asylum" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of seeking protection in a foreign country. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in various contexts. The analysis reveals its widespread use in news and media, as well as academic settings. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish between the legal right to "request asylum" and the potential illegality of unauthorized border crossings. Alternatives like "seek refuge" or "apply for protection" offer slight variations in meaning, providing writers with nuanced options. Be clear and accurate when discussing sensitive immigration matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for asylum

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

claim asylum

Highlights the act of asserting one's right to asylum.

make an asylum claim

A more formal alternative emphasizing the assertion of a right.

apply for protection

Emphasizes the formal application process for receiving protection.

lodge an asylum application

Emphasizes the formal submission of the asylum request.

seek refuge

Focuses on finding a safe place without explicitly mentioning the legal process.

petition for asylum

Implies a formal and written request for asylum.

seek sanctuary

Implies seeking protection within a specific place, often a religious institution.

appeal for refuge

Highlights the emotional aspect of needing protection.

look for safe haven

Focuses on the search for a secure and peaceful location.

FAQs

How do you use "request asylum" in a sentence?

You can use "request asylum" to describe the act of seeking protection in another country, as in: "After facing persecution in their home country, they decided to "request asylum" in Canada".

What is another way to say "request asylum"?

Alternatives include "seek refuge", "apply for protection", or "claim asylum", each with slightly different connotations.

What's the difference between "request asylum" and "immigrate"?

"Requesting asylum" is seeking protection from persecution, while "immigrating" involves moving to a new country for various reasons, such as work or family reunification. Asylum is often sought urgently, whereas immigration is typically a more planned process.

Is it legal to "request asylum" at the US border?

Yes, international and US laws allow individuals to "request asylum" upon arrival at a port of entry or even after entering the country without authorization, though specific procedures and eligibility criteria apply.