Death Threats as Persecution

29 I&N Dec. 379 (BIA 2026) · 2026

Death threats alone rarely rise to the level of persecution and only do so if they are objectively credible and issued by a person or persons with the immediate ability to carry them out.

The standard for death threats as persecution is high: both objective credibility and immediacy of ability to act are required. Generalized or unspecific threats generally fall short.