Case: 3:17-cv-00010-jdp Document #: 11 Filed: 05/17/17 Page 4 of 11 5 applicant may qualify as a refugee either because he has suffered past persecution in his country of origin or because he has a well-founded fear of future persecution if he were to return to that country. 8 C.F.R. § 208.13(b). Based on the Form I-589, the information provided by the applicant at the interview or otherwise, any comments submitted by the Department of State, and any other information specific to the applicant’s case, the asylum officer can approve, deny, or dismiss the application or, in certain circumstances, can refer the matter to an Immigration Judge.