User Question: I am helping a seriously disabled asylum seeker who has no use of his legs due to polio. In Haiti, he was regularly harassed by a man named Ti Jacques, who would take his crutches and demand money to return them. However, he did not mention this in his asylum interview or show his polio-affected legs with braces hidden under his pants. The interviewer denied his asylum claim. I’ve noticed that many gang members in Haiti have names starting with 'Ti' (e.g., Ti Gabriel, Ti Lapli). Does this suggest that Ti Jacques, who took his crutches, was a gang member too?

Expert Answer: While the prefix 'Ti' (meaning 'little' in Haitian Creole) is commonly used in gang names, it is not definitive proof that Ti Jacques was a gang member. However, if Ti Jacques was part of a larger pattern of persecution or belonged to a known gang, this could be relevant evidence for an appeal or motion to reopen the asylum case. The applicant may also file a motion to reopen based on ineffective assistance of counsel if his disability and past mistreatment were not properly presented. Seeking legal representation to strengthen the case with new evidence and a detailed affidavit is advisable.