First it is important to clarify that there are several ways to apply for asylum. There is an affirmative asylum application process and a defensive asylum application process. With the affirmative asylum process, an alien located in the US submits an application for asylum while they are NOT in removal proceedings. This application is sent to and first assessed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS decides if they approve the case or not. If they cannot approve the case, the applicant will be sent to immigration court unless they have another legal status in the US via another