Withholding of removal is a status which is similar to asylum, but not as secure. People who win withholding of removal have the right to remain in the U.S. and work legally. Unlike asylees, however, people with “withholding” do not have the right to apply for legal permanent residence. People who win “withholding” actually have a final order of removal (deportation) against them, so if they ever travel outside the U.S., they will not be permitted to return here. As with asylum, a “withholding” application must be based on fear of persecution on account of “race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.” The standard for “withholding” is higher than for asylum, however. To win asylum, an applicant must show a “well-founded fear” and to win “withholding” an applicant must demonstrate that he or she is “more likely than not” to face persecution if returned to his or her country. In other words, an asylum applicant must show that it’s possible he or she will face persecution whereas a withholding applicant must show that future persecution is probable. There are certain crimes which may disqualify applicants from winning asylum, but which would not make them ineligible for withholding. The primary benefit is that you are permitted to remain in the United States. You are permitted to obtain employment authorization and to receive most of the same government benefits as asylees.