Case #25-0077617
Type of Case: Affirmative Asylum
Language/interpretation needs: Oromo/Amharic – English proficient but interpreter needed for final review of any filings
Date of Entry (and status, if any): 06/25/2025;
Current Status/status expiry: Tourist Visa; Asylum filing deadline is 06/24/2026
Case Summary: Mr. A was born in Ethiopia to an Oromo mother and Sidama father, raised Catholic, and rose to become principal of a respected Catholic school in Batu. When government officials pressured him to allow political activities in the school, he refused, insisting it remain a place of learning. His refusal led to multiple arrests between 2020 and 2022, during which he was beaten, imprisoned without warrants, accused of conspiring with foreigners because of his Catholic faith, and nearly killed. Even after the church intervened for his release, police continued to threaten his parents and siblings, warning that he would pay with his life. With support from priests and bishops, he fled to Italy in 2023 on a theology scholarship. His status in Italy was only temporary so as his visa neared it's expiration, with the threats from Ethiopian authorities continuing, he chose to come to the United States for his safety and the chance to live without fear of persecution.
Theory of the Case: Fear of future persecution by government actors on account of political opinion & 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
Language/interpretation needs: Oromo/Amharic – English proficient but interpreter needed for final review of any filings
Date of Entry (and status, if any): 06/25/2025;
Current Status/status expiry: Tourist Visa; Asylum filing deadline is 06/24/2026
Case Summary: Mr. A was born in Ethiopia to an Oromo mother and Sidama father, raised Catholic, and rose to become principal of a respected Catholic school in Batu. When government officials pressured him to allow political activities in the school, he refused, insisting it remain a place of learning. His refusal led to multiple arrests between 2020 and 2022, during which he was beaten, imprisoned without warrants, accused of conspiring with foreigners because of his Catholic faith, and nearly killed. Even after the church intervened for his release, police continued to threaten his parents and siblings, warning that he would pay with his life. With support from priests and bishops, he fled to Italy in 2023 on a theology scholarship. His status in Italy was only temporary so as his visa neared it's expiration, with the threats from Ethiopian authorities continuing, he chose to come to the United States for his safety and the chance to live without fear of persecution.
Theory of the Case: Fear of future persecution by government actors on account of political opinion & 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
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