What must be the applicant's primary motivation for seeking asylum?

The primary motivation for seeking asylum is the need to escape persecution. This is grounded in international law, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee as someone who has a well-founded fear of persecution due to membership in a particular social group, political opinion, race, religion, or nationality.

In the context of asylum applications, it is essential that the applicant demonstrates that their fear of persecution is not only subjective but is also credible and supported by objective evidence. While personal freedom and the desire for safety are important facets of the asylum narrative, they must be specifically tied to a genuine threat of persecution.

Economic improvement and fear of natural disasters, while serious issues, do not qualify as grounds for asylum in the same way that persecution does. Asylum is specifically designed to protect individuals who face threats to their safety and human rights due to targeted persecution rather than broader challenges such as economic hardship or natural calamities. The focus on persecution distinguishes asylum seekers from other migrants who may be seeking better opportunities for economic or environmental reasons.