Which of the following can indicate that an applicant's fear of persecution is well-founded?

An applicant's fear of persecution is considered well-founded when there is significant evidence suggesting that they may experience harm due to their association with specific groups, beliefs, or characteristics. The persecution of the applicant's family or associates serves as a critical indicator of the potential risk the applicant faces. This is because patterns of persecution often affect entire families or communities, demonstrating a likelihood that the applicant could also be targeted due to their connections to those who have already suffered.

When an applicant's family or associates have experienced persecution, it may reflect broader societal conditions, such as a government or group targeting individuals with certain beliefs or affiliations, which heightens the applicant's risks of similar treatment. The established history of such persecution strongly supports the notion that the applicant has a well-founded fear of future harm.

Other factors, while relevant in certain contexts, are not as directly indicative of a well-founded fear of persecution as the experiences of family or associates. For instance, public opinion against the applicant might not necessarily translate to actual persecution unless there are clear threats or actions that stem from that sentiment. The applicant's political views could indicate a reason for persecution but do not inherently confirm that persecution would occur. Economic stability in the applicant's country generally suggests a level of safety and security that