Decision date: 2021-11-23

Holding that the agency applied the wrong nexus standard and that based on the persecutor's statements that he believed Petitioner was related to the building manager and could use that relationship to have him evicted, Petitioner's familial relationship was at least one central reason for the persecutor's initial threats, even if other reasons may be linked to subsequent offenses. The Court further indicates that imputed familial relationship would satisfy the nexus requirement. It remands for the agency to determine whether Petitioner suffered persecution on account of her kinship ties.

Publication Status: Unpublished

Case judge: Gregory, Harris, Wynn

Decision: Funez-Munguia v. Garland, No. 20-2124, 2021 WL 5492981 (4th Cir. Nov. 23, 2021)