Persecution of Particular Social Groups and the Much Bigger Immigration Picture

Abstract

Often, aliens seek what is called discretionary asylum, which requires that they show “persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.” While virtually every word of this requirement is of doubtful meaning and scope, the focus of this Article will be on the idea of persecution based specifically on “membership” in a particular group. Defining, for practical purposes, the idea of a “particular social group” has proven to be remarkably difficult, as is evidenced by widespread official illogic and dubious public policy.