What does not have to be shown by an applicant fearing future persecution?

To demonstrate a well-founded fear of future persecution, an applicant does not need to show past persecution. Instead, the focus is on the applicant's current circumstances and the likelihood of future persecution based on their specific situation, including their membership in a particular social group, political opinion, or other protected categories.

An applicant's fear must be subjective; that is, they must personally feel that they would be persecuted if returned to their country. This emphasizes the importance of the individual's perspective in assessing their claims. Additionally, it is important that the applicant belongs to a group that has historically faced persecution, as this context lends credibility to their fear of future harm. The requirement that the applicant demonstrates the potential consequences of not meeting the burden of proof is also crucial, as understanding the implications of failing to establish a credible fear plays a significant role in the asylum process.