TOPICS: Asylum, CAT, Withholding of Removal, Immigration Court, Deportation, Refugee 

Introduction

The first step in seeking asylum protection in the U.S. is to file an I-589 asylum application. On the Form I-589 asylum application there is a little checkbox next to a question asking if you are also seeking WIthholding of Removal or  protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).  That is why it is important that you know what it is and how it may help you. If you don’t check that little box on the I-589 then you will waive your right to protection under the additional section of law. 

CAT is going to apply to anyone who is