Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent (CBP BPA) Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term that accurately describes an applicant's expression of fear of persecution is "Credible Fear." This concept is integral to the asylum process and is an important determination that officials make when assessing whether an individual has a legitimate reason to seek asylum in the United States.

When an individual expresses fear of returning to their home country due to persecution or threats, they undergo a credible fear interview. If they can demonstrate a credible fear, it is an indication that there is a significant possibility they might qualify for asylum, allowing them to remain in the country while their case is reviewed.

In contrast, the other terms relate to different aspects of the immigration process. An asylum request is the formal application for asylum that follows after a credible fear has been established. A legal challenge refers to any disputes that arise in the legal context, often regarding immigration proceedings or decisions, but it does not specifically encapsulate the applicant's expression of fear. Refugee status involves a person who has been determined to meet the criteria for refugee status according to international definitions and processes and is therefore different from expressing fear of persecution at the application stage.