Anyone physically present in the U.S. can apply for asylum.You must be inside the country or at a U.S. port of entry to apply.

Your fear must be due to at least one of five protected grounds such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

You must apply within one year of arriving in the U.S there are exceptions, but generally this deadline is strictly enforced.

You need to show that the government in your country cannot protect you. If your own government is the persecutor, that also qualifies.