On March 12, 2019 CLINIC, joined by other faith-based organizations, submitted an amicus brief to the First Circuit Court of Appeals in the case O.L.B.D. v. Barr. In this case, Ms. O.L.B.D., a survivor of severe physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by her ex-husband, appeals the Board of Immigration Appeals denial of her asylum claim. The case presents a direct challenge to Matter of A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 316 (A.G. 2018), the decision Jeff Sessions issued last summer which sought to greatly limit asylum eligibility for survivors of domestic violence and gang violence. Additionally Sessions used sweeping language, seeking to make it more difficult for all asylum seekers fleeing harm by non-government actors. CLINIC’s brief argues that the First Circuit should reject Matter of A-B- because any restriction on asylum eligibility for those who suffered private harm will make it more difficult for those seeking asylum based on religious persecution to win protection on their claims. CLINIC was represented by Sheila Velez, Linda Hamilton, and Nahla Kamaluddin of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law on the brief. HIAS, The Leadership Conference of Women Religious, The National Council of Jewish Women, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, and World Relief were also amici on the brief.