Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, a growing number of Americans are seeking asylum in Australia, citing increased political division and human rights concerns. At least 29 US citizens applied for humanitarian protection visas in the first six months of Trump’s term, a notable increase from previous periods. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre reports a rise in calls from US citizens seeking advice on claiming protection, particularly related to attacks on the LGBTQI+ community. While applications are increasing, no visas have been granted yet, and the success of these claims will depend on the ongoing political climate in the US at the time of assessment. Canada and Ireland have also seen a similar increase in US asylum applications.

Highlights

Here are the highlights from the article in bullet points:

• Increased US Asylum Seekers in Australia: At least 29 US citizens have applied for humanitarian protection visas in Australia in the first six months of Donald Trump’s second presidency (January 2025 onwards).
• ASRC Helpline Calls: The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has seen an increase in calls from US citizens seeking advice on claiming protection.
• Concerns Over Human Rights: The ASRC is concerned about increasing attacks on human rights in the US, particularly targeting the LGBTIQ+ community.
• “Well-Founded Fear of Persecution”: To be accepted as a refugee in Australia, an asylum seeker must have a “well-founded fear of persecution” based on factors like race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political opinion.
• Application Numbers: Asylum applications from US citizens steadily increased after Trump’s inauguration, rising from fewer than five per month to 14 in July 2025.
• Subclass 866 Visas: All applications relate to subclass 866 onshore protection visas, which are for individuals already in Australia with a valid visa who then seek asylum.
• No Visas Granted Yet: No protection visas were granted to US citizens between January and July 2025, but applications can take a long time to process.
• Decision Context: Asylum decisions are based on the risk of persecution at the time of assessment, regardless of when the application was submitted.
• Low Success Rate: US citizens make up a small percentage of overall asylum applications in Australia, and only about one in six applications from all countries are granted.
• Permanent Residency & Citizenship: Successful applicants for a subclass 866 visa can stay in Australia permanently and have a path to citizenship.
• Similar Trend in Other Countries: Canada and Ireland have also seen a rise in asylum applications from US citizens since Trump’s election.

The Unthinkable: Americans Seek Asylum in Australia Under Trump’s Second Term

The year is 2025. The political landscape of the United States has become, for many, unrecognizable, a place where the promise of liberty and justice feels increasingly hollow. A chilling new reality has emerged: Americans, driven by fear and desperation, are seeking asylum in Australia. This isn’t a dystopian novel; it’s a documented trend that raises profound questions about the state of American society and the future of its citizens.

A Stark Reality: Asylum Applications Surge

Data obtained through Freedom of Information laws reveals a disturbing truth: at least 29 US citizens applied for humanitarian protection visas in Australia in the first six months of Donald Trump’s second term. This figure, compiled by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, paints a picture of individuals so deeply concerned about their safety and well-being that they are willing to leave their homeland and seek refuge halfway across the world.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Statistical Overview

Let’s break down the data:

• First Six Months of Trump’s Second Term (January – July 2025): A minimum of 29 asylum applications were lodged by US citizens. The actual number could be as high as 38, as the department obscures figures below five for privacy reasons.
• Previous Period (Last Six Months of 2024): Fewer than five applications were recorded during each month.
• Visa Type: All applications were for subclass 866 onshore protection visas, meaning these individuals arrived in Australia on a valid visa before seeking asylum.

While the raw numbers might seem small compared to overall migration figures, the trend is undeniable. The spike in applications coincides directly with Trump’s return to power, suggesting a direct link between his policies and the fear driving Americans to seek refuge.

Why Australia? Understanding the Motivations

What compels an American citizen to seek asylum in Australia? The Department of Home Affairs data doesn’t provide explicit reasons. However, the criteria for being accepted as a refugee offers insight:

• “Well-founded fear of persecution” based on:
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Nationality
  • Membership of a particular social group
  • Political opinion

These are the conditions that drive individuals to leave everything behind and seek protection in a new land. These are not decisions taken lightly; they are born of desperation and a genuine belief that staying in their home country poses an unacceptable risk.

Voices from the Ground: The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Jana Favero, the deputy chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), sheds light on the underlying concerns:

“We are deeply concerned about the increasing attacks on human rights in the United States, and in particular the targeting of the LGBTIQ+ community.”

This statement highlights a critical dimension of the crisis. While the data doesn’t specify the reasons for each application, the ASRC’s experience suggests that the erosion of human rights and the specific targeting of vulnerable groups are significant factors driving the exodus.

The Long Road to Protection: Navigating the Asylum Process

Applying for asylum is only the first step in a long and arduous process.

• Subclass 866 Visa Processing: The Department of Home Affairs handles approximately 2,000 applications each month. US citizens constitute a tiny fraction, less than 1% of the total.
• Grant Rate: Historically, only about one in six applications across all countries are successful.
• Processing Time: Applications can take months, even years, to be finalized.

The Waiting Game: A Test of Resilience

Even if an application is eventually approved, the wait can be emotionally and financially draining. Asylum seekers often face uncertainty, isolation, and the constant fear of being denied protection and returned to the very circumstances they fled.

The Global Perspective: Echoes of Fear in Canada and Ireland

Australia is not alone in witnessing this trend.

• Canada: The Immigration and Refugee Board reported receiving 245 US refugee claims in the first six months of 2025, surpassing any full year since 2019.
• Ireland: A sharp increase in asylum applications from US citizens has also been recorded since Trump’s election.

These figures suggest a widespread feeling of unease and vulnerability among certain segments of the American population, driving them to seek refuge in countries perceived as safer and more tolerant.

A Question of Timing: Assessing the Risk of Persecution

Prof Daniel Ghezelbash, director of the Kaldor centre for international refugee law at the University of NSW, emphasizes a crucial point:

“So, regardless of whether they applied under Trump or under Biden, the recent ones would have been decided in the context of Trump being in power.”

This means that the decision to grant asylum is based on the risk of persecution at the time of assessment, not at the time of application. This underscores the urgency of the situation, as those currently seeking protection are facing decisions made in the context of the current political climate.

A Call to Action: What Can Be Done?

The increase in asylum applications from US citizens should serve as a wake-up call. It highlights the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of safeguarding human rights for all.

Here’s what you can do:

• Stay Informed: Follow reputable news sources and organizations dedicated to human rights. Understand the issues driving people to seek asylum.
• Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide legal and social services to asylum seekers and refugees.
• Advocate for Change: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that protect human rights and promote tolerance and inclusion.
• Speak Out: Challenge discrimination and hate speech wherever you encounter it. Create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

The plight of American asylum seekers serves as a stark reminder that freedom and security cannot be taken for granted. It’s a call to action to protect the values that make America a beacon of hope for the world – and for its own citizens.

Learn More:

• Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC): [ASRC Website]
• Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law: [Kaldor Centre Website]
• Department of Home Affairs (Australia): [Department of Home Affairs Website]

Let’s work together to ensure that no one feels forced to flee their home in search of safety and freedom.