Chadian Pro Bono Client Wins Asylum

On October 3, Immigration Judge Henry Dogin granted asylum to pro bono client Mr. S., who fled Chad after being arrested, beaten and interrogated by the Chadian authorities. According to Mr. S.’s application for asylum, the Chadian government targeted Mr. S. because his uncle, a prominent politician in the Chadian government, opposed a constitutional amendment eliminating the existing presidential term limits. Mr. S.’ uncle believed that the amendment, directly contradicted the president’s earlier promises that he would step down from power after his second presidential term. Although Mr. S himself was not politically active, Cleary Gottlieb successfully argued that Mr. S. was persecuted because the Chadian government imputed his uncle’s political opinion to him. The Department of Homeland Security waived its right to appeal the decision.