Gang Claim Resources

Asylum is a form of protection which allows an individual to remain in the United States instead of being removed to a country of feared persecution. Feared persecution may present itself in different forms, but for many individuals, feared persecution is linked directly to gang violence. The following materials were developed for asylum-seekers seeking protection based on a fear of gang violence in their country of origin, but they are not a substitute for legal counsel. 

Select United Nations Resources

• UNHCR Guidance Note on Refugee Claims Relating to Victims of Organized Gangs (2010)
• UNODC Report on Transnational Organized Crime in Central America and the Caribbean (2012)
• Guatemala Background Paper (2013) (Americas Country of Origin Series)
• El Salvador Eligibility Guidelines (2016)
• Honduras Eligibility Guidelines (2016)

General Information

• Seeking Asylum from Gang-Based Violence in Central America: A Resource Manual (2007): Capital Area Immigrants' Rights (CAIR) Coalition
• Asylum and Gang Violence: Legal Overview (2014): Congressional Research Service 
• Gangs in Central America (2014): Congressional Research Service
• Particular Social Group Practice Advisory: Applying for Asylum after Matter of M-E-V-G and Matter of W-G-R (2014): National Immigrant Justice Center

Further Resources

• Refworld: UNHCR's online database

  • Gang related violence

• InSight Crime: Investigation and analysis of organized crime
• Crime and Safety Reports: Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)

Recursos en Español

• ACNUR Nota de Orientación sobre las Solicitudes de la Condición de Refugiado Relacionadas con las Víctimas de Pandillas Organizadas (2010)