Why is it important for an asylum application to provide specific details regarding local policies?

Providing specific details regarding local policies in an asylum application is essential for enhancing the applicant's credibility. When an applicant offers concrete information about how local laws and policies affect their situation, it demonstrates that they have a genuine understanding of their environment and the conditions they are facing. This level of detail supports their narrative about persecution, showing that their fear of returning to their home country is well-founded and not based solely on subjective feelings.

An applicant’s specific knowledge can help verify claims of past harm or future risk, which are critical in asylum determinations. If local policies actively contribute to the oppression or violence experienced by the applicant, detailing these can bolster their case. As such, the information creates a clearer picture of the individual’s circumstances, allowing adjudicators to assess the credibility of the claims being made.