Case #25-0078772
Initials & Country of Origin: R.K from Democratic Republic of Congo
Type of Case: Affirmative Asylum
Language/interpretation needs: English, Kifuliiru, French, and Swahili.
Date of Entry (and status, if any): 06/18/2025 J1 visa
Date of Application: Timely filed on 08/15/2025
Case summary:
R.K is a former Human Rights Officer with a local nonprofit in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo, where he led community trainings on women’s political and civil rights and supported victims of human rights abuses. In this role, he successfully assisted the family of a rape survivor in securing a conviction against the perpetrator, who was sentenced to six years in prison.
However, amid political unrest, the prison was destroyed and the perpetrator was released early. He has since risen to a position of power as a Major in the government-supported Wazalendo militia. Leveraging his authority, he has repeatedly targeted R.K and his family in retaliation for his prior human rights work. These attacks have included the physical assault of R.K’s wife and brother, as well as the disappearance of his uncle.
Raphael fears continued persecution and harm at the hands of this militia leader due to his past advocacy and involvement in holding the perpetrator accountable.
Theory of the Case: Fear of future persecution by non-government actors who the government is unable or unwilling to control on account of membership in one or more particular social groups
Commitment: Revision of I-589, collect evidence and testimony, appear for interview at USCIS; work permit (renewals).
Interview: Yes
Type of Case: Affirmative Asylum
Language/interpretation needs: English, Kifuliiru, French, and Swahili.
Date of Entry (and status, if any): 06/18/2025 J1 visa
Date of Application: Timely filed on 08/15/2025
Case summary:
R.K is a former Human Rights Officer with a local nonprofit in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo, where he led community trainings on women’s political and civil rights and supported victims of human rights abuses. In this role, he successfully assisted the family of a rape survivor in securing a conviction against the perpetrator, who was sentenced to six years in prison.
However, amid political unrest, the prison was destroyed and the perpetrator was released early. He has since risen to a position of power as a Major in the government-supported Wazalendo militia. Leveraging his authority, he has repeatedly targeted R.K and his family in retaliation for his prior human rights work. These attacks have included the physical assault of R.K’s wife and brother, as well as the disappearance of his uncle.
Raphael fears continued persecution and harm at the hands of this militia leader due to his past advocacy and involvement in holding the perpetrator accountable.
Theory of the Case: Fear of future persecution by non-government actors who the government is unable or unwilling to control on account of membership in one or more particular social groups
Commitment: Revision of I-589, collect evidence and testimony, appear for interview at USCIS; work permit (renewals).
Interview: Yes
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