AG Sessions issues Matter of A-B restricting asylum for domestic violence and gang violence victims

Attorney General Jeff Sessions issues a precedent decision in Matter of A-B- (27 I&N Dec. 316), reversing a prior BIA ruling and holding that victims of domestic violence and gang violence generally do not qualify for asylum based on membership in a particular social group. The decision instructs immigration judges to apply a more restrictive standard when adjudicating social group claims. Advocacy organizations file nationwide challenges. Federal courts later enjoin portions of the policy.