Decision date: 2023-07-13

Reversing the BIA and holding that the Petitioner's Evangelical Christian religion was one central reason for her persecution where gang members wanted her assistance because no one would suspect she would be working with the gang based on her activity and conduct with the church. Judge Rushing, in dissent, would have affirmed the agency's finding that Petitioner's religion was not one central reason for her persecution. 

Publication Status: Published

Case judge: Agee, Harris, Motz

Decision: Chicas-Machado v. Garland, 73 F.4th 261 (4th Cir. 2023)