Membership in a valid “particular social group” is a protected ground under asylum law. However, the term “particular social group” often instills fear in immigration practitioners. Let’s work through our anxiety together! We will discuss social groups that are recognized by federal courts and EOIR and how to craft a valid particular social group to fulfill the legal requirements of immutability, particularity, and social distinction. We will also discuss the related nexus requirement and how to establish that your client’s membership in a particular social group is “one central reason” for the persecution that they suffered.