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

Ardalan, Sabrineh and Boerman, Thomas, Dynamics between Gangs and the Church: An Overlooked Dimension of Central American Asylum Claims (July 31, 2016). Immigration Briefings, Issue 16-07, July 2016, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2833102

Sabrineh Ardalan (Contact Author)

Harvard Law School ( email )

6 Everett Street
Wasserstein Hall 3103
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
617-384-7504 (Phone)
617-495-8595 (Fax)

Thomas Boerman

Independent ( email )

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