An 11 year fight for asylum in Japan

Episode 40,   Feb 26, 2020, 09:55 AM

Japan has earned itself a reputation for turning away refugees and accepts only 1 percent of asylum-seekers who apply. Just 42 were accepted in 2018.

Today we speak with  Hilmneh Tegegn Tesfaw, who for the last 11 years has battled Japan’s immigration system as he’s tried to claim asylum and earn refugee status. We hear about his love for the country, his troubles with immigration officials, where he thinks Japan's asylum system is heading and his longing to be reunited with his family. Interview by Jesse Chase-Lubitz, hosted by Oscar Boyd.

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Photo by Jesse Chase-Lubitz