AN AMERICAN tourist has launched an extraordinary bid for political asylum in Spain after claiming he fears returning to the US because of the country’s current political climate.
While holidaying in Mallorca, the 34-year-old man, identified only as NFM, filed an asylum application in what officials believe could be the island’s first ever case involving a US citizen.
Spain’s Interior Ministry is now reviewing the request and has up to six months to decide whether to accept or reject the claim.
The case has reportedly left both police and immigration officials stunned due to its unusual nature.
Local reports say the 34-year-old filed his asylum claim with the Guardia Civil in Felanitx last Tuesday before the Policia Nacional took over the case.
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Spain’s Oficina de Asilo y Refugio (OAR) is now assessing the application for international protection.
The American claims he is afraid to return home because of what he describes as growing political and social tensions in the US.
He cited fears surrounding ICE immigration enforcement and the wider political atmosphere linked to President Trump.
However, sources close to the investigation admitted there are serious doubts over whether the application has any realistic chance of success.
Spanish asylum law usually grants international protection to people fleeing war, political persecution, religious oppression, ethnic violence or serious threats to their safety and human rights.
Investigators reportedly believe the applicant needs to provide substantial evidence, proving he faces a genuine and direct risk if forced to return to the US.
Despite the scepticism, the asylum process must still follow official procedure.
Officials will call the tourist back in the coming weeks for a second, more detailed asylum interview.
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He will be asked to expand on his claims and provide further information about the dangers he says he faces.
Authorities will take his fingerprints and formally confirm his identity, as per standard practice in all asylum applications submitted in Spain.
The case has generated major interest in Mallorca, because asylum requests from American citizens are almost unheard of in Spain.
Most applicants in Spain originate from regions such as Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
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