Matter of Kasinga
BIA
21 I&N Dec. 357 (BIA 1996)
1996
Holding
Recognized 'young women of the Tchamba-Kunsuntu Tribe who have not had FGM, as practiced by that tribe, and who oppose the practice' as a cognizable PSG, granting asylum based on fear of female genital mutilation.
Practitioner Note
First BIA decision to grant asylum based on FGM. Established that women subjected to culturally specific violence can form a PSG.
This summary describes what the tribunal held. Always verify the citation and read the full decision before relying on it. Case law changes — confirm this decision has not been overruled, limited, or superseded. Not legal advice.