Asylum Lawyer New York Gang Violence Protection

The client owned and operated a mid sized commercial enterprise that had gained local visibility and financial success. 

As the business expanded, organized gang members demanded ongoing payments and cooperation, accompanied by written threats, phone messages, and in person intimidation. 

When the client refused to comply, the threats escalated to explicit warnings of abduction and homicide, demonstrating individualized targeting rather than generalized crime.

Upon arrival in New York, the client maintained lawful status and promptly consulted an asylum lawyer to understand deadlines imposed by the Immigration and Nationality Act, including the one year filing requirement under INA §208(a)(2)(B). 

Because the application was filed while residing in New York, the case fell under the jurisdiction of the New York Asylum Office and applicable federal asylum regulations set forth in 8 C.F.R. §208.

Under U.S. Asylum law, persecution may be committed by non government actors when the government is unable or unwilling to control them, as recognized by the Second Circuit, which governs New York. 

The application demonstrated systemic corruption, ineffective law enforcement, and documented country condition evidence showing that victims of gang extortion were routinely left without protection. 

The client’s fear was therefore both subjectively genuine and objectively reasonable.

The asylum application was timely filed, properly supported, and prepared in accordance with federal law, including INA §101(a)(42) and relevant regulations governing asylum adjudications in New York. 

The client was ultimately placed on a lawful path toward protection, employment authorization, and long term stability in the United States, free from the immediate threat of gang related violence.