Political asylum is a protection granted by a country to individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution based on factors like race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This legal status allows them to stay in the host country and often provides them with the right to work and access to certain services. To apply for political asylum, individuals must demonstrate that they have a well-founded fear of persecution if they return to their home country. The process typically involves submitting an application and attending an interview with immigration officials to assess the validity of their claims.