re: #59 wrenchwench

I thought your claim is valid (subject to investigation and adjudication) when you present it to the first officially uniformed person you encounter, after you are in this country.

According to rescue.org, no. You have to present your case at an airport or border crossing.

rescue.org

Asylum seekers must be in the U.S. or at a port of entry (an airport or an official land crossing) to request the opportunity to apply for asylum.