If your asylum application is pending, you cannot leave the U.S. without special permission. Departing without advance parole is treated as abandoning your asylum case, and USCIS will likely deny your application.

To travel abroad while your asylum is pending, you must apply for advance parole using Form I-131. If USCIS approves, you can re-enter the U.S. after temporary travel. However, traveling back to your home country may be seen as contradicting your claim of fear and can result in denial, even with advance parole.