THE APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTATION TO ESTABLISH THAT PERSECUTION RESULTED DIRECTLY FROM ONE OF THESE GROUNDS AND NOT FROM PRIVATE DISPUTES.

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• Membership in a Particular Social Group: Membership in a particular social group must be based upon an immutable characteristic such as sex, race, or sexual orientation. To establish this ground, you must submit documentation that the group has a discernible identity, you are a member of that group, and the group is persecuted as a result of its distinguishing characteristic(s).​

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• Political Opinion: Persecution on the basis of political opinion can be established where the applicant demonstrates an actively and openly-held opinion in opposition to those in a position of authority, or where the person has been persecuted by virtue of an “imputed opinion.”​

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• Other Factors: Persecution is not limited to physical abuse or torture. Denial of education and employment opportunities, arbitrary inferences with the individual’s family members, and restrictions on an individual’s rights amounting to a “threat to life or liberty,” define persecution. On the other hand, general conditions of hardship and criminal prosecution for violating a nation’s laws do not constitute persecution under the immigration laws.​

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• Past Persecution: Evidence of past persecution is grounds for an asylum claim unless a change of circumstances indicates that no fear of future persecution is warranted. A simple assertion of past persecution is insufficient, and the applicant will be required to provide extensive documentation including any injuries, threats of violence, and restrictions.​

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• Future Persecution: A “well-founded fear of future persecution” is a ground for seeking asylum. A “well-founded fear” requires proof that a reasonable likelihood exists that the persecution will occur on the basis of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or inclusion in a particular social group. The government, or those whom the government cannot or will not control, must be the persecutor. And you must show that you cannot relocate inside your country to avoid the persecution.