Particular Social Groups Generally

Matter of Acosta held that a particular social group is comprised of persons who hold a common, immutable characteristic. 19 I&N Dec. at 211. A particular social group must also be defined with particularity and be socially distinct. Matter of S-E-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 579 (BIA 2008); see also Matter of W-G-R-, 26 I&N Dec. 208 (BIA 2014). Immutability has been defined as a characteristic that one cannot change or is so fundamental that individual should not be required to change it. Mater of Acosta, 19 I&N Dec. at 211. Particularity means that the group cannot be indeterminate, too subjective, inchoate, or variable. Matter of A-M-E- & J-G-U-, 24 I&N Dec. 69, 76 (BIA 2007). Lastly, social distinction requires that the group be perceived as a group by the society in which it exists. Matter of W-G-R-, 26 I&N Dec. at 216.