Which of the following is an example of a protected ground?

Political opinion is a recognized protected ground under the 1951 Refugee Convention and U.S. asylum law. Individuals may seek asylum if they can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on their political beliefs or activities. This protection is vital since it acknowledges that persecution due to one's political opinion can lead to serious harm or discrimination, warranting a need for international protection.

Gender identity is also increasingly recognized in many jurisdictions as a basis for asylum claims; however, it's not traditionally classified as a protected ground in the same historical framework as political opinion. Educational background and marital status, on the other hand, do not qualify as protected grounds, as they are not recognized categories under the laws governing asylum protections. Thus, when identifying a protected ground, political opinion stands out as a key category that provides specific legal protections against targeted persecution.