An asylum seeker is an individual seeking to obtain asylum and protection within another country than his or her home country. Asylum seekers must be able to make a case for being granted sanctuary and asylum within a country based on certain grounds. For example, asylum seekers must be able to prove that they have a credible fear of returning to their home countries because of persecution that might arise due to their political beliefs, race, nationality, sexual status, or membership in certain social groups. An asylum seeker must submit a petition for asylum with the government to which he or she is appealing for asylum.