Election of Donald Trump: Can Americans apply for asylum in France?

Donald Trump makes a comeback... and with it, its share of heated debates and worries. Some Americans, worried about what this means for their future, are asking themselves, “What if I packed my bags for France? After all, Paris and cheese are tempting, aren't they?” But beyond dreams of glamorous expatriation, is seeking asylum really a realistic option?

Asylum is a question of law governed by French domestic law and international law.

Asylum is a right protected by international conventions, the 1951 Geneva Convention. It applies to people who fear persecution for reasons such as race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

For a claim to be admissible, the applicant must demonstrate that he or she cannot be protected in his or her country of origin or habitual residence.

Generally this requires a recognition by the French State that ere is a state of generalized repression/violence and that are subject to personal persecution.

Could the United States be a “high-risk country” for purposes of seeking asylum? Well, no, that is very unlikely.

Under the Trump presidency, certain policies, such as restrictions on immigration, measures against minorities or repression of political movements, have raised concerns. But is this a sufficient threat to justify asylum?

If a government's policies result in targeted persecution of individuals or groups, this could be a basis for an asylum claim. But the U.S. is generally considered a safe country, and an asylum application would likely be denied for lack of evidence. So set aside your claims to asylum.

But rest assured, there are other ways to come to France: work visas (talent passport - qualified employee, talent passport - artist...), family visas (French spouse, parent of French child), visitor visas (VLS TS visitor). We can help you with all your immigration applications for France. For instance, if you are self-supporting, or have remote work in the United States, you can reside in France as a long stay visitor, indefinitely!