What must an applicant ultimately prove regarding their fear of persecution upon returning to their country?

An applicant must ultimately prove that they have a well-founded fear based on facts. This means that they need to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood that they will face persecution if they return to their country. The concept of "well-founded fear" is a crucial standard in asylum claims and incorporates both subjective and objective elements. The applicant’s fear should be grounded in credible testimony and supported by facts about the country conditions and any specific threats they may face.

This requirement ensures that the decision to grant asylum is based on assessments that can be substantiated through evidence rather than mere assertions. It reflects the necessity for applicants to show not only a personal belief that they will suffer harm but also that there are solid reasons backing this fear, such as documented instances of persecution related to a protected ground like race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.