Department of Homeland Security OMB No.

1615-0067; Expires 06/30/2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Department of Justice I-589, Application for Asylum
Executive Office for Immigration Review and for Withholding of Removal
Applicant: Zainab Abass Zintang
Submission Date: 2024-08-05T19:04:29UTC
Do you also want to apply for withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture?: Yes

Part A.I. Information About You

1. Alien Registration Number(s) (A-Number) (if any):
2. U.S. Social Security Number (if any):
3. USCIS Online Account Number (if any):
4. Complete Last Name: Zintang
5. First Name: Zainab
6. Middle Name: Abass
7. What other names have you used (include maiden name and aliases)?
8. Residence in the U.S. (where you physically reside)
Street Number and Name: 2080 Lafontaine Avenue
Apt. Number: Apt 4C
City: Bronx
State: NY
ZIP Code: 10457
Telephone Number: 516-924-9016
9. Mailing Address in the U.S. (if different than the address in Item Number 8)
In Care of (if applicable): Zainab Zintang
Telephone Number: 516-924-9016
Street Number and Name: 2080 Lafontaine Avenue
Apt. Number: Apt 4C
City: Bronx
State: NY
ZIP Code: 10457
10. Gender (Male, Female): Female
11. Marital Status (Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed): single
12. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): 12-25-2000
13. City and Country of Birth:
City: Kumasi
Country: GHA
14. Present Nationality (Citizenship): GHA
15. Nationality at Birth: GHA
16. Race, Ethnic, or Tribal Group: Black
17. Religion: Islam
18.a. I have never been in Immigration Court proceedings.: Yes
18.b. I am now in Immigration Court proceedings:
18.c. I am not now in Immigration Court proceedings, but I have been in the past:

Page 1 of 11 Form I-589 Edition 03/01/23

 19.a. When did you last leave your country? (mm/dd/yyyy): 07-19-2022
Last Left Your Country Other:
19.b. What is your current I-94 Number, if any?: 934645122A2
19.c. List each entry into the U.S. beginning with your most recent entry. List date (mm/dd/yyyy), place, and your status for each
entry. (Attach additional sheets as needed.)
Most Recent Entry Record:
Date of Entry: 07-20-2022
Place of Entry: WAS
Other Place of Entry:
Status: J1
Date Status Expires: 05-31-2023
Previous Entry Record(s):
20. What country issued your last passport or travel document?: GHA
21. Passport/Travel Document Number: G3453010
22. Expiration Date (mm/dd/yyyy): 11-18-2031
23. What is your native language (include dialect, if applicable)?: ENG
24. Are you fluent in English?: Yes
25. What other languages do you speak fluently?
TWI
Language:
Fluent
HAU
Language:
Fluent
Part A.II. Information About Your Spouse and Children
Your spouse
1. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any):
2. Passport/ID Card Number (if any):
3. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy):
4. U.S. Social Security Number (if any):
5. Complete Last Name:
6. First Name:
7. Middle Name:
8. Other names used (include maiden name and aliases)
9. Date of Marriage (mm/dd/yyyy):
10. Place of Marriage:
11. City and Country of Birth:
City:
Country:
12. Nationality (Citizenship):
13. Race, Ethnic, or Tribal Group:
14. Gender (Male,Female):
15. Is this person in the U.S.? "Yes " (Complete Blocks 16 to 24). "No" (Specify location) :
Spouse Location:
16. Place of last entry into the U.S.:
Other Place of Last Entry:
17. Date of last entry into the U.S. (mm/dd/yyyy):
18. I-94 Number (if any):

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 19. Status when last admitted (Visa type, if any):
20. What is your spouse's current status?:
21. What is the expiration date of his/her authorized stay, if any? (mm/dd/yyyy):
22. Is your spouse in Immigration Court proceedings?:
23. If previously in the U.S., date of previous arrival (mm/dd/yyyy):
24. If in the U.S., is your spouse to be included in this application?:
Your Children. List all of your children, regardless of age, location, or marital status.
I have children: No
Total number of children:

Part A.III. Information About Your Background

1. List your last address where you lived before coming to the United States. If this is not the country where you fear persecution,
also list the last address in the country where you fear persecution. (List Address, City/Town, Department, Province, or State and
Country.)
Number and Street, Line 1 (Provide if Available): Ak 1532587 Tafo Adompom
Number and Street, Line 2 (Provide if Available):
City/Town: Kumasi
Department, Province, or State:
State:
Zip Code:
Postal Code:
Country: GHA
Dates: From (Month): 12
Dates: From (Year): 2000
Dates: To (Month): 07
Dates: To (Year): 2022

2. Provide the following information about your residences during the past 5 years. List your present address first.
Number and Street, Line 1: 2080 Lafontaine Ave
Number and Street, Line 2: Apt 4C
City/Town: Bronx
Department or Province:
State: NY
Postal Code:
ZIP Code: 10457
Country: USA
Dates:From(Month): 07
Dates:From(Year): 2024
Dates:To(Month): 08
Dates:To(Year): 2024
Number and Street, Line 1: 918 Morris Ave
Number and Street, Line 2: Apt 1C
City/Town: Bronx
Department or Province:
State: NY
Postal Code:
ZIP Code: 10451

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 Country: USA
Dates:From(Month): 05
Dates:From(Year): 2023
Dates:To(Month): 07
Dates:To(Year): 2024
Number and Street, Line 1: 15 Tri-Park Way
Number and Street, Line 2:
City/Town: Appleton
Department or Province:
State: WI
Postal Code:
ZIP Code: 54914
Country: USA
Dates:From(Month): 08
Dates:From(Year): 2022
Dates:To(Month): 05
Dates:To(Year): 2023
Number and Street, Line 1: Ak 1532587 Tafo Adompom
Number and Street, Line 2:
City/Town: Kumasi
Department or Province:
State:
Postal Code:
ZIP Code:
Country: GHA
Dates:From(Month): 12
Dates:From(Year): 2000
Dates:To(Month): 07
Dates:To(Year): 2022

3. Provide the following information about your education, beginning with the most recent school that you attended.
Name of School: Fox Valley Technical College
Type of School: Technical school
Location (Address):
Street Name and Number: 1825 N Bluemound Dr
Apt. No.:
City: Appleton
State: WI
ZIP Code: 54914
Province:
Postal Code:
Country: USA
Dates:From(Month): 08
Dates:From(Year): 2022
Dates:To(Month): 08
Dates:To(Year): 2023

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 Name of School: Kumasi Technical University
Type of School: Technical school
Location (Address):
Street Name and Number:
Apt. No.:
City: Asafo
State:
ZIP Code:
Province:
Postal Code:
Country: GHA
Dates:From(Month): 08
Dates:From(Year): 2020
Dates:To(Month): 06
Dates:To(Year): 2022
Name of School: Islamic Senior High School
Type of School: High School
Location (Address):
Street Name and Number:
Apt. No.:
City: Abrepo-Junction
State:
ZIP Code:
Province:
Postal Code:
Country: GHA
Dates:From(Month): 10
Dates:From(Year): 2015
Dates:To(Month): 06
Dates:To(Year): 2018

4. Provide the following information about your employment during the past 5 years. List your present employment first.
Name and Address of Employer: Noble Prince School
Street Name and Number: Tafo Adompom
Apt. No.:
City: Kumasi
State:
ZIP Code:
Province:
Postal Code:
Country: GHA
Your Occupation: Teacher
Dates:From(Month): 07
Dates:From(Year): 2018
Dates:To(Month): 07
Dates:To(Year): 2020

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5. Provide the following information about your parents and siblings (brothers and sisters). Check the box if the person is deceased.
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Father
First Name: Abdul
Last Name: Zintang Abass
Middle Name: Rahman
City/Town of Birth: Upper West
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location:
Deceased: Yes
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Mother
First Name: Safia
Last Name: Mumin
Middle Name:
City/Town of Birth: Upper West
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Mufida
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Upper West
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Suraiya
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Upper West
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Latifa
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Upper West
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Sahada
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass

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 City/Town of Birth: Upper West
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Hamida
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Kumasi
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Takoradi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Najeeba
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Kumasi
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Tahiru
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Upper West
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Subur
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Kumasi
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:
Relationship (Mother, Father, Sibling): Sibling
First Name: Razak
Last Name: Zintang
Middle Name: Abass
City/Town of Birth: Kumasi
Country of Birth: GHA
Current Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Deceased:

Part B. Information About Your Application

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When answering the following questions about your asylum or other protection claim (withholding of removal under 241(b)(3) of the
INA or withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture), you must provide a detailed and specific account of the basis of
your claim to asylum or other protection. To the best of your ability, provide specific dates, places, and descriptions about each event
or action described. You must attach documents evidencing the general conditions in the country from which you are seeking asylum
or other protection and the specific facts on which you are relying to support your claim. If this documentation is unavailable or you
are not providing this documentation with your application, explain why in your responses to the following questions.
:
1. Why are you applying for asylum or withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA, or for withholding of removal
under the Convention Against Torture? I am seeking asylum or withholding of removal based on:
Race:
Religion:
Nationality:
Political Opinion: Yes
Membership in a particular social group: Yes
Torture Convention: Yes
A. Have you, your family, or close friends or colleagues ever experienced harm or mistreatment or threats in the past by anyone?:
Yes
If "Yes," explain in detail: 1. What happened; 2. When the harm or mistreatment or threats occurred; 3. Who caused the harm or
mistreatment or threats; and 4. Why you believe the harm or mistreatment or threats occurred.: In 2019, while attending an
annual family gathering, I revealed that I identified as LGBTQ+. From then on, until I escaped to America in 2022, many members
of my family (including my mother, my siblings, and my cousins) mistreated me because of my identity. My family constantly
threatened to report me to the police for identifying as LGBTQ+. They also attempted to force me into an arranged heterosexual
marriage, which I refused. My family consistently physically and verbally abused me, and slapped and yelled at me for being an
embarrassment to the family. They thought that my identity was a joke and refused to believe me, trying to beat or scare me out
of my identity. Between the time that I came out and the time when I left Ghana, my mother and my brother forced me to attend
a religious/community camp nearby several times, where staff harmed me in an attempt to convert my identity. This camp is
known in the community as a place to convert gay people. My family made me go to this camp several times from the fall of 2019
to before I left for America in the summer of 2022. Each time I was forced to go, I was left there for two to three days at a time.
Among other things, staff harmed me by performing rituals intended to convert me, they beat me with a cane, they imprisoned
me in a smoke-filled room to make it difficult for me to breathe, and they denied me access to normal food. I always protested
and begged my family not to make me go to the camp, but I had little choice since I lived with and was financially supported by my
family. They made clear with threats that my only alternative to attending the camp (other than becoming heterosexual) was
arrest by the police. If I am required to return to Ghana, I fear I will be threatened, imprisoned, and potentially tortured because of
my LGBTQ+ identity. My family has already targeted me as a result of my identity. They would continue to threaten me and,
especially since I left and have been out of contact, it is even more likely that they would report me to the police for arrest or
bolster their efforts to forcibly convert me at the religious/community camp. In addition, the parliament has passed an anti-
LGBTQ+ law that criminalizes anyone identifying as LGBTQ+. Ghana is even more hostile to my lifestyle than it was when I lived
there. I have heard of people in my community who were imprisoned, even before Ghana has officially tried to criminalize being
gay, so I fear the same thing would happen to me.
B. Do you fear harm or mistreatment if you return to your home country?: Yes
If "Yes," explain in detail: 1. What harm or mistreatment you fear; 2. Who you believe would harm or mistreat you; and 3. Why
you believe you would or could be harmed or mistreated.: I fear that if I return to Ghana, I will be threatened, imprisoned, and
potentially tortured for my LGBTQ+ identity. My family targeted me because I revealed my identity. If I returned, they would
continue to threaten me and would either likely report me to the police or continue to take me to the religious camp. The
Ghanaian parliament passed a bill that criminalizes anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+, and so the country is even more hostile to
gay rights than it was before when I lived there. I have heard of people in my community who were taken to jail and imprisoned
because they were gay, and this was before the bill passed, so I fear that the same thing would happen to me if I return to Ghana.

2. Have you or your family members ever been accused, charged, arrested, detained, interrogated, convicted and sentenced, or
imprisoned in any country other than the United States (including for an immigration law violation)?: No

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 If "Yes," explain the circumstances and reasons for the action:

3.A. Have you or your family members ever belonged to or been associated with any organizations or groups in your home country,
such as, but not limited to, a political party, student group, labor union, religious organization, military or paramilitary group, civil
patrol, guerrilla organization, ethnic group, human rights group, or the press or media?: Yes
If "Yes," describe for each person the level of participation, any leadership or other positions held, and the length of time you or
your family members were involved in each organization or activity.: My mother is a member of a traditional local religion (she is
called a "traditionalist"). During my entire childhood, she would attend meetings as a part of the traditional local religion at least
once a week.

3.B. Do you or your family members continue to participate in any way in these organizations or groups?: Yes
If "Yes," describe for each person your or your family members' current level of participation, any leadership or other positions
currently held, and the length of time you or your family members have been involved in each organization or group.: I have not
spoken to my mother since I left Ghana for the United States, and so I am not sure if she still practices the traditional local religion.
When I left Ghana, she still practiced this religion. I have no reason to believe that she has stopped practicing.

4. Are you afraid of being subjected to torture in your home country or any other country to which you may be returned?: Yes
If "Yes," explain why you are afraid and describe the nature of torture you fear, by whom, and why it would be inflicted.: I fear
that I would be tortured because of my LGBTQ+ status. I have heard of people in my community who were tortured by the police
because they were gay, and I fear that the same thing would happen to me if I returned.

Part C. Additional Information About Your Application

1. Have you, your spouse, your child(ren), your parents or your siblings ever applied to the U.S. Government for refugee status,
asylum, or withholding of removal?: No
If "Yes," explain the decision and what happened to any status you, your spouse, your child(ren), your parents, or your siblings
received as a result of that decision. Indicate whether or not you were included in a parent or spouse's application. If so, include
your parent or spouse's A-number in your response. If you were previously denied asylum by USCIS, an immigration judge, or the
Board of Immigration Appeals, describe any change(s) in conditions in your country or your own personal circumstances since the
date of the denial that may affect your eligibility for asylum.:

2.A. After leaving the country from which you are claiming asylum, did you or your spouse or child(ren) who are now in the United
States travel through or reside in any other country before entering the United States?: No
If "Yes," , provide for each person the following: the name of each country and the length of stay, the person's status while there,
the reasons for leaving, whether or not the person is entitled to return for lawful residence purposes, and whether the person
applied for refugee status or for asylum while there, and if not, why he or she did not do so:

2.B. Have you, your spouse, your child(ren), or other family members, such as your parents or siblings, ever applied for or received
any lawful status in any country other than the one from which you are now claiming asylum?: No
If "Yes," , provide for each person the following: the name of each country and the length of stay, the person's status while there,
the reasons for leaving, whether or not the person is entitled to return for lawful residence purposes, and whether the person
applied for refugee status or for asylum while there, and if not, why he or she did not do so:

3. Have you, your spouse or your child(ren) ever ordered, incited, assisted or otherwise participated in causing harm or suffering to
any person because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or belief in a particular political
opinion?: No
If "Yes," describe in detail each such incident and your own, your spouse's, or your child(ren)'s involvement.:

4. After you left the country where you were harmed or fear harm, did you return to that country?: No
If "Yes," describe in detail the circumstances of your visit(s) (for example, the date(s) of the trip(s), the purpose(s) of the trip(s),
and the length of time you remained in that country for the visit(s).):

5. Are you filing this application more than 1 year after your last arrival in the United States?: Yes

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 If "Yes," explain why you did not file within the first year after you arrived. You must be prepared to explain at your interview or
hearing why you did not file your asylum application within the first year after you arrived. For guidance in answering this
question, see Instructions, Part 1: Filing Instructions, Section V. "Completing the Form," Part C.: On Feb. 28, 2024, Ghana's
parliament passed a bill that makes it a crime to identify as LGBTQ+ in Ghana, with penalties of up to three years in prison. This
change in country conditions made it clear that it was impossible for me to safely return to Ghana. I am filing my application for
asylum within a reasonable amount of time from that changed circumstance.

6. Have you or any member of your family included in the application ever committed any crime and/or been arrested, charged,
convicted, or sentenced for any crimes in the United States (including for an immigration law violation)?: No
If "Yes," for each instance, specify in your response: what occurred and the circumstances, dates, length of sentence received,
location, the duration of the detention or imprisonment, reason(s) for the detention or conviction, any formal charges that were
lodged against you or your relatives included in your application, and the reason(s) for release.If you have been arrested in the
United States, you must submit a certified copy of all arrest reports, court dispositions, sentencing documents, and any other
relevant documents.:

Part D. Your Signature

I certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America, that this application and the evidence submitted
with it are all true and correct. Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a), provides in part: Whoever knowingly makes under oath,
or as permitted under penalty of perjury under Section 1746 of Title 28, United States Code, knowingly subscribes as true, any false
statement with respect to a material fact in any application, affidavit, or other document required by the immigration laws or
regulations prescribed thereunder, or knowingly presents any such application, affidavit, or other document containing any such false
statement or which fails to contain any reasonable basis in law or fact - shall be fined in accordance with this title or imprisoned for
up to 25 years. I authorize the release of any information from my immigration record that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) needs to determine eligibility for the benefit I am seeking.

WARNING: Applicants who are in the United States unlawfully are subject to removal if their asylum or withholding claims are not
granted by an asylum officer or an immigration judge. Any information provided in completing this application may be used as a basis
for the institution of, or as evidence in, removal proceedings even if the application is later withdrawn. Applicants determined to have
knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum will be permanently ineligible for any benefits under the Immigration and
Nationality Act. You may not avoid a frivolous finding simply because someone advised you to provide false information in your
asylum application. If filing with USCIS, unexcused failure to appear for an appointment to provide biometrics (such as fingerprints)
and your biographical information within the time allowed may result in an asylum officer dismissing your asylum application or
referring it to an immigration judge. Failure without good cause to provide DHS with biometrics or other biographical information
while in removal proceedings may result in your application being found abandoned by the immigration judge. See sections 208(d)(5)
(A) and 208(d)(6) of the INA and 8 CFR sections 208.10, 1208.10, 208.20, 1003.47(d) and 1208.20.

Print your complete name: Zintang zainab

Write your name in your native alphabet:
Did your spouse, parent, or child(ren) assist you in completing this application?: No
If "Yes," list the name and relationship.
Did someone other than your spouse, parent, or child(ren) prepare this application? (If "Yes," complete Part E.): Yes
Asylum applicants may be represented by counsel. Have you been provided with a list of persons who may be available to assist you,
at little or no cost, with your asylum claim?: Yes
Signature Email Address: iamzee015@gmail.com
Signature Date: 08-02-2024
Electronic Filing Record

Part E. Declaration of Person Preparing Form, if Other Than Applicant, Spouse, Parent, or Child
I declare that I have prepared this application at the request of the person named in Part D, that the responses provided are based on
all information of which I have knowledge, or which was provided to me by the applicant, and that the completed application was
read to the applicant in his or her native language or a language he or she understands for verification before he or she signed the
application in my presence. I am aware that the knowing placement of false information on the Form I-589 may also subject me to
civil penalties under 8 U.S.C. 1324c and/or criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1546(a).
Signature Of Preparer:

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Date:
Complete Name of Preparer:
First Name: Ryan
Last Name: Rott
Daytime Telephone Number: 212-351-5321
Address of Preparer
Street Number and Name: 200 Park Avenue
Apt. Number:
City: New York
State: NY
ZIP Code: 10166-0193
Province:
Postal Code:
Country:

Attorney State Bar Number (if applicable):

Attorney or Accredited Representative USCIS Online Account Number (if any):

Evidence
Original File Name: Birth Certificate.pdf
Category: Birth Records
Original File Name: I94.pdf
Category: I-94
Original File Name: Passport cover to page 14.pdf
Category: Passport
Original File Name: Page 15 to end cover passport.pdf
Category: Passport
Original File Name: Ryan signature.pdf
Category: Preparer signature

Supplement B, Form I-589

Additional Information About Your Claim to Asylum

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