Thursday, April 16, 2009

a "black" person seeking asylum from Russia

The Government lawyer asked Ms. R, a dark-skinned person, seeking asylum from Russia:
1. Tell me about all of your international travel: where did you go, why, and why did you leave that country?
2. You went to Armenia? when? why? why leave Armenia? why not apply for asylum there? After Armenia, you went to back to Russia? you returned voluntarily to a country you say is dangerous? I guess it is not so dangerous, if you returned there, yes?
3. Or, did you return there only reluctantly, and because you had no real choice?
4. you lived for 6 years in Russia? during that time, you suffered no physical harm? no harm to your church, house, or car?
5. you were able to work? you had a job? your employer was friendly to you? So, you suffered no economic harm?
6. you say one day a Russian threatened to kill you? did you report that to the police? why not? who says it is a waste of time to report such things to the police?
7. your mother, father, brother, and sister all live today in Russia? not one of them suffered physical harm? not one? so why don't you go live with them, because they have found a way to live in safety?
8. you say your brother lives in fear? he does not go out at night because he is afraid? he cannot leave the country because no money and no visa? but he reallyl wants to leave?
9, you say you were fired from your job? but in your I-589, you say you "quit" your job, correct? also in the I-589 you did not mention emotional harm suffered by brother? why do you add things today in court which were not in your I-589? when was the last time you read your I-589? do I know more aboutyour I-589 than you do?

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