What Persecution Means Under U.S. Asylum and Refugee Law

What Counts as Persecution When Applying for Asylum or Refugee Status

Persecution can mean many more things than physical harm.

Why Were You Persecuted? Proving the "Nexus" or Motivation in an Asylum Claim

The harm an asylum applicant suffered must have been "on account of" one of five grounds, not random or merely personal.

Claiming Asylum If You Fear, But Haven’t Experienced, Persecution in Your Country

A well-founded fear of persecution can be enough to base an asylum claim on.

What a "Particular Social Group" Means for Asylum Purposes

The membership in a “particular social group” (“PSG”) asylum category is the most difficult of the five grounds to define, and the subject of many legal arguments. Learn more here.

Do You Need to Have Actually Been Harmed to Get Asylum?

Despite some asylum applicants not having experienced actual persecution in their home country, they may fear returning there, and may qualify for asylum on the basis of that fear, if it's reasonable.

Legal Strategies for Victims of Gender- and Gang-Based and Similar Forms of Persecution After AG Decision in Matter of A-B-

Victims of domestic violence, child abuse, gang-based violence, or violence based upon gender or sexual orientation may find their chances of success significantly curtailed by the Attorney General’s decision. However, his decision has not closed the door entirely on relief.

Claiming Asylum Based on Persecution on Account of Political Opinion

Wondering when it's appropriate to tell U.S. immigration authorities that you were persecuted based on your political opinion?

Can You Claim Asylum Based on Being a Persecuted Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender Person?

Understanding the legal basis for LGBTQ asylum in the U.S.

Qualifying for Asylum Based on Persecution for Your Race

When persecutors against against people perceived to belong to a particular race, this may give rise to an asylum claim.

Qualifying for Asylum Based on Persecution for Your Ethnic Group

Although ethnic identity isn't named as one of the five legal grounds for persecution, it's closely related, and has been recognized as a potential ground as well.

Qualifying for Asylum Based on Persecution for Imputed Political Opinion

When someone may claim asylum based on persecution for a political opinion that the persecutor only thought he or she held.

Claiming Asylum Based on Domestic Violence

If you fear returning to your home country because you will be the victim of domestic violence and cannot gain protection from your government, it's possible you might claim asylum in the U.S.

Can Atheists Get Asylum Based on Persecution on Religious Grounds?

An asylum seeker who claims fear of persecution due to being an atheist will have a difficult time establishing that atheism is a religion and therefore protected by U.S. asylum law.