This rule proposes to amend Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) (collectively, "the Departments”) regulations that govern eligibility for asylum and withholding of removal. The amendments focus on portions of the regulations that address the definitions of membership in a particular social group and the interpretation of several other elements of eligibility for asylum that are often determinative in particular social group claims, including the requirements of a failure of State protection and determinations about whether persecution is on account of a protected ground. The rule will also propose to modify or rescind portions of the Procedures for Asylum and Withholding of Removal; Credible Fear and Reasonable Fear Review final rule (RINs 1125-AA94 and 1615-AC42).

This rule is consistent with Executive Order 14010 of February 2, 2021, which directs the Departments to promulgate joint regulations, consistent with applicable law, addressing the circumstances in which a person should be considered a member of a particular social group.