Who can approve asylum?

• A. The local base commander
• B. The Department of Homeland Security
• C. The Inspector General
• D. Only the Department of State can approve asylum, while a senior Air Force official on the installation may grant temporary refuge.

Answer: (D)

Asylum decisions are formal protective determinations that, in this framework, are made by the Department of State. A senior Air Force official on the installation can provide temporary refuge to ensure immediate safety, but this is not the official asylum status. The local base commander, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Inspector General do not grant asylum in this context.