November 10, 2025 From the desk of the Executive Officer Common questions that Asylum Officers ask:In your country, did you suffer harm or threats? How many times? Whatdo you mean, when you say, “Every day in my country is being under threat”? That means: the government hates the people, and… Listen ⇢

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLA October 23, 2025 Fourth Circuit affirms the value of the Freedom of Information Act. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, VA published a ruling in Louise Trauma Center v. USCIS, 147 F.4th 495 (4th Cir. 2025), a case involving the… Listen ⇢

October 17,2025 From the Desk of the Executive Director On October 7, 2025, U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson issued a 24-page opinion in Cruz-Medina v. Noem (Case No. 25-cv-01768, District of Maryland), granting a preliminary injunction to protect Jose Cruz-Medina, a man from Honduras, from being deported to Mexico… Listen ⇢

From the Desk of Executive Director September 12, 2025 Asylum officer questions asked September 2025, of an activist from the Ivory Coast: Do you remember what your WRITTEN STATEMENT is? How did you prepareit? did anyone help you? how did he help you? He looked at your statement, putit into… Listen ⇢

From the Desk of the Executive Director September 9, 2025 The story of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man currently detained in Virginia, is making headlines in the U.S. His case shows both the opportunities and the risks that come with the asylum process. For African immigrants facing similar struggles,… Listen ⇢

Inside the Asylum Interview: Questions Faced by a Political Activist Posted on July 19, 2025By Sharifa Kalokola Seeking asylum in the United States is not just a legal process—it’s a deeply personal journey. For many, including activists escaping political persecution, the asylum interview can feel like a test of their… Listen ⇢

Tanzania’s Crackdown on Opposition Published on July 15, 2024 If you are a Tanzanian seeking asylum in the United States, it is important to present evidence that shows your life or freedom is threatened due to your political beliefs, association with opposition parties, or work as a journalist or activist.… Listen ⇢

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLA May 13, 2025 How to prepare for your asylum interview  One way to prepare for your asylum interview is to read, and consider, questions that asylum officers asked other applicants. Maybe you will be asked the same questions. https://winyourasylumcase.blogspot.com is an online… Listen ⇢

In a case decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on August 7, 2020, Nidal Khalid Nasrallah, a Lebanese national and U.S. lawful permanent resident, challenged his deportation based on fears of torture if returned to Lebanon. He sought protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT),… Listen ⇢