Which principle applies when determining whether the applicant's fear of persecution is well-founded?

The principle that applies when determining whether the applicant's fear of persecution is well-founded is the objective situation in the country of nationality. This principle focuses on assessing the actual conditions and circumstances in the applicant's home country to evaluate the likelihood of persecution based on an individual's membership in a particular social group or characteristics.

A well-founded fear requires a consideration of the larger context, including reports from human rights organizations, country conditions, governmental policies, and social attitudes that can contribute to an understanding of whether an individual would face a credible threat of persecution if they were to return home.

While the subjective beliefs of the applicant are relevant to understanding their perception and experience, the crux of the asylum determination lies in this objective assessment, which helps to establish whether those beliefs are grounded in reality. Factors such as the applicant's age or occupation may provide additional context but do not independently determine the legitimacy of their fear of persecution as effectively as the overall objective conditions in their country.