Under INA §241(b)(3)(A), an IJ may not remove a person to a country where his or her life or freedom would be threatened because of the person's race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The applicant for withholding of removal must show a "clear probability" of persecution or that it is more likely than not that he or she would be persecuted if removed to his or her home country. This standard is more difficult to satisfy than the well-founded-fear standard for asylum. Withholding of removal to a particular country is mandatory if the IJ determines that the applicant's life or freedom would be threatened in that country.
The grant of withholding of removal, unlike asylum, does not give an individual an automatic right to remain in the United States. He or she cannot apply for permanent residency or bring his or her spouse or children to the United States.
