US Department of State Lists Eight Countries as Religious Freedom Violators
On May 11, 2009 the US Department of State designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Uzbekistan as “countries of particular concern” for religious freedom violations. While this determination was made in connection with any immigration laws, it can be used to support certain types of immigration petitions where the applicant has suffered religious persecution.
Religious persecution can be an element of a political asylum petition, j-1 visa waiver petition as well a defense to removal (deportation).
Read the full report here.
Posted on May 18, 2009 at 7:58 pm by Immigration Lawyer Peter Messersmith · Permalink
In: Cancellation of Removal, Deportation, J-1 Visa Waiver, Removal · Tagged with: Cancellation of Removal, Deportation, J-1 Visa Waiver
In: Cancellation of Removal, Deportation, J-1 Visa Waiver, Removal · Tagged with: Cancellation of Removal, Deportation, J-1 Visa Waiver
on January 6, 2013 at 11:23 pm
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I am an Uzbek citizen marrying a US citizen. I came with J1 visa sponsored by the US Department of State and went back to Uzbekistan upon completion of the program. I couldn’t continue my education because my school expelled me for studying in the states and i could find any jobs either. Therefore, i came back with F1 visa and still am subject to 2 year home residency requirement. My government will not issue no objection and thus i have very few options left. Is it possible for me to apply for persecution based on religion since i am marrying a strong Catholic and am considering of becoming a christian? Do you think it will be a good option for me? I felt like asking this after seeing the above article on the site…