Cinco de Mayo Asylum Decision

From Charles Kuck, immigration attorney in Atlanta:

For all of you who do asylum work in the Immigration Courts in the 11th Circuit, it is ESSENTIAL, that you read this case, particularly Judge Carnes Dissent.  (Click here).  Basically, this case says it is impossible to get asylum if you are from Colombia. The 11th Circuit wrote this decision on a case in which the applicant was NOT represented at her immigration Court hearing (pro se), adopting a favorite practice of the BIA. While I have not thought through what can be done to fight this case (distinguishing it in [Atlanta] will be just a might bit difficult), it is clear we all must be aware of this decision and structure our asylum applications and client’s testimonies around the grounds for denial.

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The case is an asylum case involving a Colmbian applicant.

KJ