Political Asylum in the United States and Around the Globe
By John Paul Ryan

In this article, John Paul Ryan explores the law and politics of asylum in the United States and around the world and a recent U.S. Court of Appeals decision that clarifies asylum claims based upon religion.

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Resources

Human Rights First
This legal organization works to influence refugee and asylum policy and protect refugees and asylum seekers through the courts. The site provides news and updates and an e-newsletter called Asylum News.

Human Rights Watch: Religious Freedom
This section of this advocacy organization web site offers reports and essays about religious freedom around the globe, including an "Overview: Religious Freedom in Peril."

International Coalition for Religious Freedom
This non-sectarian, organization dedicated to defending the religious freedom offers educational and informational resources including a World Report section with country by country information through 2004. The News section is up to date, through April 2007.

International Law International Human Rights and Universal Rights Instruments
Maintained by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, this site links to many human and universal rights instruments.

Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, Syracuse University Asylum Law, Asylum Seekers, and Refugees: A Primer
This report describes the laws that govern asylum in the U.S. and how the U.S. fits into the global picture.

University of Minnesota Human Rights Library, Country Conditions
The library has collected links to for most countries to country reports from the United States Department of State, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch on conditions in countries relevant to asylum and refugee seekers.

"Well-Founded Fear," P.O.V.
This PBS documentary film by Shari Robertson and Michael Camerini, originally aired on P.O.V., June 5, 2000.