DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
O
FFICE
O
F THE
S
ECRETA
RY
1000
NA
VY
PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350·1000
SECNAVINST 5710.22C
DUSN
01 May 2019
SECNAV INSTRUCTION 5710.22C
From: Secretary of the Navy
Subj: ASYLUM AND TEMPORARY REFUGE
Ref: (a) DoD Instruction 2000.11 of 13 May 2010
1. Purpose. This Instruction implements reference (a) and
designates an agent and/or point of contact for processing of
requests for asylum and temporary refuge. This instruction has
been administratively revised and should be reviewed in its
entirety.
2. Cancellation. SECNAVINST 5710.22B.
3. Definitions
a. Asylum. Protection granted by the United States (U.S.)
Government within the U.S. to a foreign national who, due to
persecution or well-founded fear of persecution on account of
his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a
particular social group, or political opinion, is unable or
unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of his
or her country of nationality (or, if stateless, of last
habitual residence).
b. Temporary Refuge. Protection afforded for humanitarian
reasons to a foreign national in a Department of Defense (DoD)
shore installation, facility, or military vessel within the
territorial jurisdiction of a foreign nation or in international
waters, under conditions of urgency, in order to secure the life
or safety of that person against imminent danger, such as a
pursuit by a mob.
4. Applicability. This Instruction applies to the Office of
the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the Chief of Naval
Operations (CNO), the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), all
activities, field offices, and all other organizational entities
within the Department of the Navy (DON). Where Combatant
Commanders have established guidance, per reference (a), for
