Program

The size and influence of Central American organized gangs has increased significantly over the past several years followed by a similar escalation of gang-based violence in countries such as Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. As such, the number of people seeking protection in the U.S. from gang persecution is also on the rise. This seminar will examine the issues and challenges that attorneys face when representing a client in a gang-based asylum application.

* Background and Overview of the Escalation of Gang Violence in Central America
* Types of Gang-Based Asylum Cases-Former Gang Members, Potential Recruits, Witnesses to Crimes, Women, etc.
* Developing the Case-Issues in Social Group, Political Opinion and Mixed Motive Claims
* BIA Precedent Decisions and Matter of SEG "Social Visibility" and Particularity Requirements
* A Review of Precedential Circuit Court Cases
* Using Experts and Witnesses to Support the Claim

Faculty

* Raul E. Godinez (dl), Los Angeles, CA

* Thomas Boerman, Ph.D., Eugene, OR

* Kari Ann Fonte, Miami, FL

(dl) = discussion leader

* = invited, not yet confirmed

Registration

AILA Members: $129

Non-AILA Members: $169

To Register: myaila.aila.org/Conferences/detail.aspx

Registration Deadline: The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 15, at 11:59 pm eastern time.