U.S. Asylum Rules

Re “Change Planned in Asylum Rules on Domestic Abuse,” Dec. 7:

Ira Mehlman criticizes the INS’ proposed new asylum rules, asserting, “The intent of the political asylum law was to protect people from political persecution.” This is incorrect. Both U.S. and international law have always allowed for asylum to be granted to persons fleeing persecution related to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or social group membership.

Jews and gays were not persecuted by the Nazis for their political opinions but for belonging to groups deemed morally or racially inferior. The failure of the international community to grant them protection led directly to the asylum laws we have today. Offering protection in the U.S. to women fleeing abuses such as honor killing, forced prostitution and bride burning, as well as domestic violence, is entirely consistent with the principles and purposes of asylum law.

STEPHEN KNIGHT

Coordinating Attorney, Center

for Gender and Refugee Studies

Hastings College of the Law

San Francisco