FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLA April 7, 2026  What to Do if ICE Is in Your Community (A Simple Guide for African Immigrants in the U.S.) Many African immigrants and asylum seekers feel fear when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is active in their community. I… Listen ⇢

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLA March 7, 2026 No relief for a man threatened by a hitman, because the threats did not cause “actual” harm and because he could have lived elsewhere in his country, to avoid the hitman A hitman in El Salvador demanded money from… Listen ⇢

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLA Feb 5, 2026 FIVE Common Mistakes People Make When Applying for Asylum Applying for asylum can feel like walking through fog. You’re stressed, scared, and trying to do the right thing and that’s exactly how mistakes happen. Here are five very common… Listen ⇢

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLA January 23, 2026 No relief for woman because her abusive ex-partner was no longer interested in harming herMs. “DG” was abused and threatened by her ex-partner in Mexico; so she fledand arrived in the United States in 2023.The BIA denied relief, ruling… Listen ⇢

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLA December 24, 2025 Asylum denied: applicant distributed non-violent flyers for an armed group 45 years ago Mr. Ghanbari lived in Iran in 1980, when he was 15 years old. He helped an armed, violent group known as the MEK. Ghanbari distributed non-violent… Listen ⇢

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARIFA KALOKOLADecember 17, 2025 Asylum Denied: Respondent Used His Own Passport to Depart The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) denied asylum to a Respondent (R) from Moldova. R testified that he was beaten twice by police in 2021 because of his political opinion.… Listen ⇢

From the Desk of Executive OfficerDecember 17, 2025 In November 2025, a CNN investigation revealed disturbing evidence of violence against civilians in Tanzania following the country’s disputed presidential election. Using verified video footage, satellite images, and eyewitness accounts, the report suggests that security forces used lethal force against protesters, many… Listen ⇢

New Library Exhibits: A Closer Look at Tanzania’s Shifting Political Climate November 14, 2025  From the Desk of the Executive Director  Our latest exhibits—now available in our resources and library page—offer a stark, timely look into Tanzania’s rapidly evolving and increasingly turbulent political landscape. Drawing from recent reports and documented… Listen ⇢

November 10, 2025 From the desk of the Executive Officer Common questions that Asylum Officers ask:In your country, did you suffer harm or threats? How many times? Whatdo you mean, when you say, “Every day in my country is being under threat”? That means: the government hates the people, and… Listen ⇢