Covington Secures Asylum for South Kordofan Bishop
January 27, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC, January 27, 2012 — Covington & Burling recently obtained asylum for Bishop Andudu Adam Elnail, a native of South Kordofan in the Republic of Sudan who came to the United States to seek medical treatment just before violence spread to his homeland.
An officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services granted asylum earlier this month after Bishop Andudu and Covington lawyer Arjun Singh Sethi presented his case at a hearing in Houston. Covington represented Bishop Andudu on a pro bono basis.
Bishop Andudu arrived in the United States in May 2011 as tensions erupted in South Kordofan. Bishop Andudu emerged as a clear target for being sympathetic to the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement which opposed the National Congress Party.
“I was shocked to learn of the violence in South Kordofan,” Bishop Andudu said. “I came here for medical treatment and then I heard that my house, office and church were set on fire. I prayed every day that God would strengthen me and strengthen the people of South Kordofan.”
Covington began its representation of Bishop Andudu in June 2011, arguing he would face persecution by the Sudanese government on account of his political and religious beliefs if he were sent back to Sudan. In January 2012, Bishop Andudu was officially approved for asylum.
“We are extremely pleased with the swift approval of asylum for the Bishop,” Mr. Sethi said. “The Bishop’s commitment to human rights and justice is inspiring. He will make a great contribution to America.”
The next step for Bishop Andudu is to bring his family to America.
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