Matter of M-E-V-G-

BIA

26 I&N Dec. 227 (BIA 2014)

2014

Holding

Clarified that the PSG requirements are 'social distinction' (not social visibility) and 'particularity'; a group need not be visible or recognizable by others but must be perceived as a distinct group in the relevant society.

Practitioner Note

Renamed 'social visibility' to 'social distinction' to clarify that the inquiry is about social perception, not literal visibility.

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Topics

Particular Social Group (PSG)Social Distinction (formerly Social Visibility)Particularity Requirement

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