Washington, D.C. (July 18, 2025) – Today, the Justice Department issued a precedential decision that attempts to turn back the clock on progress made in recognizing women’s rights as human rights. In Matter of K-E-S-G-, the Board of Immigration Appeals ignores and distorts decades of precedent to declare that women and girls fleeing human rights violations and seeking safety in the United States may no longer qualify for asylum.

“Today’s decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of K-E-S-G- goes against long-accepted precedent in cases involving women seeking protection from domestic and sexual violence,” said Kursten Phelps, litigation counsel at the Tahirih Justice Center. “The result could be traumatized women being forced to return to life-threatening situations. The Tahirih Justice Center will continue to fight for the rights of survivors like our client, Ms. S.G., to access legal protection and safety in this country.”

Read the full press statement.