This post is by Jim Feroli, an attorney with Immigration Legal Services (ILS) of Catholic Charities, Washington, DC. He has worked with ILS since 2014 and helps to manage the pro bono program. He focuses on asylum, U Visa and VAWA cases, and removal defense generally. He has also represented immigration clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals and U.S. Courts of Appeals.
I’m a movie fan. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend the film Gladiator. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, a Roman general who is betrayed, sold into slavery, and forced to fight in gladiator matches. The movie has some good action scenes and strong acting by Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, who plays the demented and cruel heir to the throne. It’s about persistence, redemption, and the human spirit and is worth a watch on Netflix.
As an immigration lawyer, I wondered would Maximus, as a slave in ancient Rome, qualify for membership in a particular social group? I’m sure most people watching the film had the same concern. My answer is yes. Maximus’s status is immutable. Slavery in this context is both a status and a condition. As much as Maximus may want to change his status, it is beyond his control. By chance he could be emancipated, but more likely, he will die a slave. Being a member of the group of slaves is also particular. It is distinct and the borders of the group are clear. There is a strong contrast between persons who are slaves—and thus private property—and those who are not. Generally, people should understand if they fit within the group of slaves or free persons, in this case Roman citizens. Lastly, the group is socially distinct. Legally and economically, society recognizes slaves as different. They are deprived the rights to participate in civic life and may be bought and sold by others. Certainly, a runaway slave should qualify for refugee status and not be returned to face additional persecution.