Kramer Levin Wins Asylum for Gay Man Who Fled Assault and Death Threats in Pakistan

Leslie Nguyen and Ryan Lozar obtained a grant of asylum for a gay man from Pakistan. In Pakistan, the client was the victim of rape, physical and sexual assault, and threats against his life because of his sexual orientation. The client feared that his life would be in danger if he were returned to Pakistan because of the prevalent persecution of known and suspected homosexuals. The Kramer Levin team filed an affirmative asylum application and prepared extensive briefing, successfully arguing that not only did the client's past persecution in Pakistan qualify him for a grant of asylum but that his renunciation of Islam since fleeing to the United States increased the likelihood of persecution if he returned to Pakistan. Leslie and Ryan were supervised by Aaron Frankel. The matter was referred to Kramer Levin by long-term pro bono partner Immigration Equality.