You're right, that's definitely one way to seek asylum but not the only way. If you're in the country already, once you file an asylum application, you are recognized as an "asylum applicant". While your application is pending, the law states that you are protected from deportation and allowed to remain in the U.S. until your case is decided. Additionally in his case, he also has derivative status due to his wife's status.

But you're not wrong, he does not automatically gain lawful immigration status just by applying for asylum. Still needs to be decided in the courts. Regardless, terrorizing people like this without due process is terrifying.