Naomi Seibt, 25, a German activist known as the ‘Anti-Greta,’ has filed for U.S. political asylum, alleging that she faces persecution in Germany for her political views and advocacy for free speech. In a statement, Seibt said she has submitted her petition under Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, citing that returning to Germany would expose her to imprisonment or physical harm. She stated that she has applied for asylum and is waiting for an interview, currently staying in the U.S. legally.
Seibt claims she has been subjected to surveillance by German intelligence and threatened by Antifa groups for her political activism. She also said that her interactions with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, have been a significant factor in her decision to seek asylum. She noted that Musk has been aware of the danger she faces in Europe and has supported her asylum application.
Her case is part of a broader debate on asylum and refugee policies, especially with potential changes under the current U.S. administration. These changes might prioritize asylum applicants facing persecution due to their political speech and opposition to government censorship. This is a significant development following recent reports about the Trump administration’s potential shifts in refugee policies.
The political landscape is further complicated by the statements of other public figures, such as Vice President J.D. Vance, who has criticized European countries for allegedly suppressing free speech and questioned Germany’s hate speech laws. These comments align with the sentiment expressed by Seibt and highlight a growing concern about free speech restrictions in Europe.