AR 550-1 — Processing Requests For Political Asylum And Temporary Refuge
AR 550-1 governs Department of the Army policies and procedures for handling foreign nationals seeking political asylum or temporary refuge.
- Publication number: AR 550-1
- Title: PROCESSING REQUESTS FOR POLITICAL ASYLUM AND TEMPORARY REFUGE
- Date: 06/21/2004
- Proponent: G-3/5/7
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 550-1 on armypubs.army.mil
Related publications
It sets national policy for asylum and temporary refuge, including limits on surrender and locations where asylum may not be granted. It also covers protection, reporting requests, transfer to the CIS, and public release of information.
Applies to: This regulation establishes uniform policies and procedures for Department of the Army (DA) responsibilities for handling requests by foreign nationals for political asylum or temporary refuge.
Topics covered
- Political asylum
- Temporary refuge
- National policy
- Protection of asylum seekers
- Requests for asylum reporting
- CIS transfer procedures
- Public release of information
Questions and answers
What is the United States policy for considering political asylum requests?
The United States will give foreign nationals full opportunity to have their requests for political asylum considered on their merits. (paragraph 2-1)
When can a person seeking political asylum be surrendered to a foreign jurisdiction?
Persons seeking political asylum will not be surrendered to a foreign jurisdiction except as directed by the Secretary of the Army. (paragraph 2-1)
Where will the United States not grant political asylum?
The United States will not grant political asylum at its installations or facilities located within the territorial jurisdiction of a foreign country or while in foreign territorial waters. (paragraph 2-1)
How must Army elements receive people requesting political asylum or temporary refuge?
Persons requesting political asylum or temporary refuge will be received in a DA facility or on board DA vessels. They will be afforded every reasonable care and protection permitted by the circumstances (see paras 23a and b for reporting procedures). (paragraph 2-2)
Can a person requesting asylum be surrendered without Headquarters DA approval?
In no case will a person requesting political asylum or temporary refuge be surrendered to a foreign jurisdiction without Headquarters DA approval. (paragraph 2-2)