One day, Evelin and Cindy’s* mother left the girls at home while she ran errands. The sisters waited hours for their mother to return, but she never came back. They later learned that several family members—including their mother—had been kidnapped by non-state actors and were presumed dead. The sisters, fearing for their lives, sought safety in the United Sates. They faced significant hurdles after they arrived. Family members, former neighbors, and family friends refused to help them because they feared retaliation if they did. It was clear that they faced real danger if they were returned to their home country. Although Evelin and Cindy were only children, they were persecuted based on their familial ties. An immigration judge evaluated the harm they faced from their perspective and granted them asylum.

*Children’s name changed to protect their privacy.