Withholding of removal under INA Section 241(b)(3) bars the U.S. government from deporting someone to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The standard of proof is higher than asylum — applicants must show a "clear probability" of persecution. Unlike asylum, withholding doesn't lead to permanent residency or a path to citizenship, and it only protects against removal to one specific country, not all countries.