What is a key requirement for the asylum eligibility established under 8 CFR § 208.13?

A key requirement for asylum eligibility under 8 CFR § 208.13 is a demonstrated fear of persecution. This regulation stipulates that an applicant must establish that they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on one of five protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

The notion of a well-founded fear incorporates both subjective and objective elements—meaning that the individual must genuinely fear persecution, and there must also be evidence that a reasonable person in the same circumstances would fear persecution. This requirement underscores the intent of asylum as a protection mechanism for individuals whose safety is threatened due to their identity or beliefs.

The other options focus on aspects that do not align with the foundational criteria for asylum. For instance, express permission from the home country is not needed; the purpose of seeking asylum is often to flee or escape from that very authority. Current legal residence in the U.S. is also not a prerequisite, as individuals can apply for asylum whether they are present in the U.S. unlawfully or have entered lawfully. Financial stability is irrelevant, as asylum eligibility hinges on the legitimate fear of persecution, not the applicant's financial situation.