A person in removal proceedings before an immigration judge may be able to seek asylum as defensive relief, but where and how Form I-589 is filed depends on the procedural posture of the case and current EOIR/USCIS instructions.
First confirm where the case is pending
Do not assume that receiving a Notice to Appear automatically answers every filing question. Confirm that the case is actually pending with EOIR and check the current court information.
Our separate guide explains how to determine whether an I-589 should be filed with USCIS or immigration court.
Immigration court has its own filing rules
Once the immigration court has jurisdiction over the asylum application, court deadlines, document formatting, service, electronic-filing rules, and instructions from the immigration judge matter. Use current EOIR guidance and the judge's orders.
Keep proof of filing
Save the exact I-589 that was filed, all supporting evidence, proof of service when required, electronic filing confirmation or other receipt evidence, and every court notice or order related to the application.
The one-year filing rule still matters
Asylum generally has a one-year filing deadline subject to statutory exceptions. Being in immigration court does not make it safe to ignore timing. If the deadline may be an issue, seek qualified legal help promptly.
Official sources
This page provides general process information, not advice about eligibility, exceptions, or what a person should file in a specific case.