Overview
BFKN is proud to recognize members of our Litigation Group who worked closely with the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) to represent a pro bono client in asylum proceedings. This week, our client, a bisexual man from Senegal, was granted asylum after facing persecution in his home country. Our client fled to the U.S. after he was violently attacked and received death threats for embracing his boyfriend in public. In Senegal, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison, he feared for his life.
NIJC referred the client's case to BFKN a year ago, and our team worked diligently to prepare his written materials and oral testimony. Despite challenges, including a judicial reassignment that almost delayed the client’s case by a year, we successfully petitioned for an expedited date. He also underwent extensive preparation for a rigorous cross-examination, and the team’s dedication ensured he was well-prepared, leading to a favorable outcome. The team’s dedication ensured he was well-prepared, leading to a favorable outcome. Our client left the courtroom with his asylum granted, elated with the outcome.
The pro bono team included BFKN partner Edward F. Malone and associates Marlow Svatek, M. Olivia Glass, and Jill Doherty.
About The National Immigrant Justice Center
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) — a Heartland Alliance program — is a legal aid organization dedicated to protecting human rights and ensuring access to justice for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. In addition to legal services, NIJC supports these vulnerable groups through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. NIJC has provided legal services to more than 10,000 individuals, achieving a 90% success rate in asylum cases.
To learn more about NIJC, visit: https://www.immigrantjustice.org.