Our Cameroonian client was recently granted Asylum at the Sterling Immigration Court in Sterling, VA. Since our client is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she faced extreme persecution. In order to win an Asylum case, one must prove past persecution or that there is a well-founded fear of future persecution in the home country.
Sexual orientation claims are a strong basis for Asylum in certain countries. Specifically, in Cameroon, Article 347 of its Penal Code criminalizes sexual contact between members of the same sex, carrying a 6-month to 5-year term of imprisonment for violation thereof. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) acknowledges “significant human rights issues” surrounding sexual orientation in Cameroon. In its 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices for Cameroon, the DOS found themselves reporting acts of violence, criminalization, and other abuses based on sexual orientation.
It is with this background in mind that our client successfully presented her case. In Cameroon, she was arrested, detained, beaten, and brutally raped. As a result, her testimony was graphic and detailed. As a result of her testimony, follow-up questions were limited. The standard for past persecution was met.
Our client is now able to fully embark upon a new life in the United States. She can continue to heal from horrific physical abuse as well as emotional and mental trauma that endures.
If you would like to discuss a potential Asylum claim, please contact our Immigration Law team at Roth Jackson. Attorney Jennifer L. West stand ready to help!
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