Kasowitz Obtains Asylum for Transgender Woman Subjected to Persecution in Guatemala

Kasowitz Benson Torres has obtained an immigration court order granting asylum to a transgender woman from Guatemala who had been subjected to repeated persecution, including violent attacks and death threats, on account of her transgender identity.  Prior to the merits hearing, the government agreed to rest on the paper record submitted by the Kasowitz team, which included extensive briefing demonstrating that the client would be at a high risk of serious physical harm and death if returned to Guatemala.  The Immigration Court found that the client met her burden of proof based on the paper record and granted asylum, and the government waived its right to appeal.

The Kasowitz team handling this pro bono matter included associates Kathleen Kennedy and Binta A. Watkins, staff attorney Melissa Uson, and paralegal Blanquita Gomezcoello under the supervision of Counsel Teresa Matushaj.