Dynamics between Gangs and the Church: An Overlooked Dimension of Central American Asylum Claims
Immigration Briefings, Issue 16-07, July 2016
16 Pages Posted: 11 Sep 2016 Last revised: 28 Aug 2017
Date Written: July 31, 2016
Abstract
This Briefing addresses the ground of religion in asylum cases involving gang violence in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. It first describes country condition evidence critical to a nuanced understanding of these claims. The Briefing then presents an overview of U.S. asylum law with a focus on religion-based claims and gang violence. Next, the Briefing provides examples of cases in which adjudicators have granted asylum to women and youths who suffered or feared persecution by gangs for reasons of religion, among other grounds. The Briefing concludes with practical guidance regarding how to develop and present asylum cases involving gangs, religion, and the church.
Keywords: Immigration, Asylum, Human Rights, Gangs, Women, Religion
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation