Number: RL34587
Title: Female Genital Mutilation as Persecution: When Can It Constitute a Basis for Asylum and Withholding of Removal?
Authors: Yule Kim, American Law Division 
Abstract: Female genital mutilation (FGM) encompasses a wide range of procedures which involve the removal or alteration of a woman's external genitalia. Although it is a cultural practice prevalent among some African, Asian and Middle-Eastern ethnic groups, it is widely considered a human rights violation by most international organizations and Western nations. This viewpoint is reflected in American law, which prohibits a female child from receiving FGM when under 18 years of age and classifies FGM as a form of persecution which can act as a basis for refugee status. This report first explores the basic statutory and regulatory framework that governs refugee law. This entails an outline of the requirements an applicant must meet in order to qualify as a refugee, a discussion about the differences between the two main forms of relief for aliens facing removal from the United States, asylum and withholding of removal, and an examination of several important issues and controversies concerning this particular area of refugee law.
Pages: 22
Date: October 10, 2008