In an asylum case, who allegedly caused the harm and what relationship that person had to the government can be legally important. Harm attributed to police, military, security services, or other government actors raises different factual questions from harm attributed only to private individuals.
That does not mean that harm by a government official automatically proves an asylum claim. Asylum has multiple legal requirements, and the facts must be evaluated together.
Document the actor, not just the event
For each important incident, record what you truthfully know about the people involved: agency or organization, uniform or insignia, rank or title if known, vehicle or location, statements they made, whether they were acting in an official capacity, and how you identified them.
Separate what you personally observed from what someone else told you.
Preserve evidence of government response
If you reported harm to another authority, keep police reports, complaints, court records, correspondence, receipts, case numbers, and any response or refusal. If reporting was impossible or dangerous, record the facts for qualified legal review rather than inventing a report that never happened.
Country information can provide context
Reliable country-condition sources may help explain the role of a particular police unit, security service, political organization, or government practice during the relevant period. Save the source, publication date, URL, and exact pages that relate to the issue.
Do not decide the legal conclusion yourself
Whether facts satisfy the legal requirements for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture is a legal question. Organize the facts and evidence, then have a qualified immigration lawyer or DOJ-accredited representative evaluate them.
Official starting point
This article is general educational information and does not assess any person's eligibility.