Initials & Country of Origin: S.G. from Benin

Type of Case: Affirmative
Language/interpretation needs: French interpreter needed
Date of Entry (and status, if any): 03/17/2025; B-2 visitor
Current Status/status expiry: Visitor status through 09/16/2025
Asylum Filing Deadline: 03/16/2026

Case Summary: Mr. G’s father was the supreme chief of voudun for his family. In 2015, Mr. G’s father died, and in 2022, he was chosen by an oracle to replace his father. However, Mr. G refused because he is Catholic and disagrees with the practices of voudun. When he refused, he began receiving threats from his family. They tried to have him arrested but were unsuccessful. In 2023, Mr. G came to the U.S. seeking safety, but he returned to Benin several months later because he believed the situation had improved. When he returned to Benin, the threats continued. In April 2024, his family threatened to beat him to death. They broke one of his ankles. In early 2025, because of his refusal to take his father's place, Mr. G’s family accused him of stealing family land and bribed a judge to have him arrested. The judge subsequently ordered the police to arrest Mr. G. Mr. G left Benin again in March 2025 and fled to the U.S. If he returns to Benin, Mr. G fears that his family will kill him for refusing to take his father's position. His wife and child are also in hiding in Benin. He claims his family is looking for his child so that they can curse him.

Theory of the Case: Past persecution and fear of future persecution by non-government actors on account of political opinion and religion.

Commitment: File I-589, gather evidence and testimony, appearances at USCIS; Work permit (initial and renewals)
Interview: Yes 
Experience level/case team size recommended: Appropriate for any experience level and team size