Pro Bono Client is Granted Defensive Asylum

On March 29, 2023, a court granted an asylum petition to a pro bono client who suffered persecution at the hands of government actors in his home country of Togo on the basis of his political opinions. Associate Amber Will, along with co-counsel Zi Lin and Zack Rynhold, had worked on the defensive asylum application since 2017.

As a member of an opposition party that spoke against the ruling regime, Amber’s client was targeted by the government and its supporters, beaten unconscious, and served with unreported and unofficial summonses demanding he report to a local police station – a process known to lead to the disappearance of political dissidents. After the second summons arrived, he fled for his life, leaving Togo and his family behind.

The journey to asylum took five-and-a-half years. Over the years, Amber and her colleagues worked hard to secure a country conditions expert, track down affidavits and letters of support, and prepare their client for what the hearing would be like. The client feels truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to find safety and peace in the U.S., and looks forward to a future where he doesn’t have to fear being returned to his homeland.

Congratulations to Amber on this very gratifying effort and fantastic work of advocacy.