What must an applicant provide when claiming persecution by a government actor?

When an applicant claims persecution by a government actor, it is essential to demonstrate that the harm suffered is linked to a protected characteristic, such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. This connection is critical because it establishes the basis for the claim and shows that the persecution is not arbitrary but rather targeted and systematic based on one of these criteria. The evidence presented must convincingly support the assertion that the applicant was persecuted due to their identification with one of the protected groups, ensuring that the claim meets the legal thresholds established for asylum eligibility.

The other options do not align with the core requirement for demonstrating persecution. Legal residence in another country is not relevant to establishing a claim of past persecution; rather, it relates to the applicant's current status. Documentation of previous applications might provide context but does not directly substantiate the claim of persecution with evidence linked to a protected characteristic. Lastly, a detailed personal history that is unrelated to persecution would not contribute meaningful information to support the asylum claim and could detract from the focus on the specific reasons for the persecution.