J-1 Fear of Persecution Waivers

Are you afraid to be persecuted on account of your race, religion, or political opinion if you return to your home country?

You may apply for a waiver of the 2-year home residency requirement if you fear persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion in your home country. You may request a waiver based upon persecution if you believe it is probable that you will face persecution if you return to your home country. This standard is similar to the asylum context. However, asylum is broader in that you can also file for asylum if you fear persecution on account of your nationality or membership in a particular social group.