Landmark Immigration Court Ruling for Battered Women Seeking Asylum

In a historic decision on August 26, 2014, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recognized a protected group that includes mostly women.

In the past, women seeking asylum from repeatedly physical and sexual abuse from their husbands were not recognized by U.S. immigration laws as a persecuted group worthy of protection. Traditionally, asylum laws protected people who were persecuted or feared persecution in their native countries because of their political opinions, race, religion, nationality or particular social group.

The landmark Board of Immigration Appeals decision resulting from hearing the case of a Guatemalan woman who fled her abusive husband and came to the United States illegally with her children in 2005. The case showed a shocking history of weekly beatings, rape and attacks with deadly chemicals.

In its decision, BIA wrote that it was persuaded by the asylum seeker that Guatemala “has a culture of machismo and family violence” and, additionally, the police routinely failed to respond to her calls for help.

By deciding in favor of granting asylum for the Guatemalan woman, BIA recognized “married women in Guatemala who are unable to leave their relationship” as a unique social group, thus eligible for filing an asylum claim. By actually publishing their decision—an unusual action—the appeals board set a clear precedent for immigration judges.

Right now, over 300 domestic abuse asylum seekers who have also filed appeals with the BIA are eagerly waiting for their day in court to prove they, too, are eligible for asylum.

99% Success Rate with Asylum Claims

At Nalbandian Law, a top immigration law firm in the Los Angeles area, our expert attorneys handle more asylum cases than any other type of case. For over 14 years, we have maintained a near-perfect success rate in winning asylum cases for our clients.

Key to Success in Asylum Claims Cases

Too often, we have seen other lawyers lose cases for their clients simply because the lawyers were unprofessional and filed incomplete, poorly documented paperwork that lacked important supporting documents that could have won their case.

By contrast, Nalbandian Law attorneys always prepare accurate, meticulous documentation that tells a detailed, convincing story of persecution. Our approach is exactly what immigration judges want to see.
We go even further: we obtain sworn statements (affidavits) from relatives, medical and mental health professionals and copies of medical records that show evidence of physical and/or emotional abuse.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Call Nalbandian Law today, (818) 244-0310, or contact us online for a personal consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys. We’ll review your situation and honestly assess your chances of winning your asylum case.