The Convention Against Torture (CAT) is a United Nations treaty ratified by the U.S. in 1994 that prohibits governments from deporting, extraditing, or returning any person to a country where they face a substantial risk of torture. Under U.S. immigration law, CAT protection can't be denied based on criminal history or other bars that apply to asylum. An immigration judge must find it "more likely than not" that the applicant would face torture with government involvement or acquiescence. CAT protection doesn't grant permanent residency but prevents removal to the specific country where torture is likely.