Opinion ID: 739018
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Application of Nikolay Vassilev Nikolov

Text: 19 Nikolay claimed a well-founded fear of persecution because he is a homosexual. The BIA has held that gays and lesbians constitute a social group and may be granted asylum based on their membership in that group. See In re Toboso-Alfonso, 20 I & N Dec. 819 (BIA1990). The IJ concluded, however, that Nikolay had not made a sufficient showing that he had been or would be persecuted on this basis. 20 Nikolay testified that a military officer hit him with a hose after he told the officer he was a homosexual. He also testified that the government considered homosexuals crazy, declared them to be criminals, and required that they be placed in mental hospitals. However, Nikolay failed to support his generalized and conclusory assertions with specific evidence that in fact homosexuals are persecuted, have a well-founded fear of persecution, or that [his] life or freedom would be threatened because of that status. Id. at 822. 21 Nikolay also testified he did not want to return to Bulgaria because he did not want to serve in the military and because of his father's political opinions and trouble with the government. Nikolay's desire to avoid service in the military is insufficient grounds for asylum. A government's conscription efforts do not constitute persecution on account of political or religious beliefs except in those rare cases where a disproportionately severe punishment would result on account of those political or religious beliefs. See Alonzo v. INS, 915 F.2d 546, 548 (9th Cir.1990). Since the government has not threatened to punish Nikolay if he does return, and Nikolay has not indicated that he would face a disproportionately severe punishment, the denial of his application is affirmed. 22 We note, however, that Nikolay could be permitted to stay in this country by obtaining a visa under 8 U.S.C. § 1153 or other provisions of the act based upon the asylum status of his family. Since unmarried sons of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence can be granted a visa, see 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(2), if his father becomes a permanent resident, Nikolay may be issued a visa.