News: Page (1) of 1 - 01/22/12

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JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) ' A New Jersey resident from the violence-plagued nation of Honduras is appealing her son's rejected bid for U.S. asylum, but with a catch: Her son is dead.

A lawyer for the family of Josue Rafael Orellana Garcia (ho-'SWAY Rafael or-ee-YANA Garcia) has filed what experts say may be the first posthumous request for asylum.

Orellana's mother says her son fled violence-plagued Honduras for the U.S. out of fear he'd be killed by gangs.

He was deported in 2010. The 20-year-old's bullet-ridden body was found in 2011 near the family home in San Pedro Sula.

The case highlights a debate over whether gang violence should be considered in U.S. asylum cases.

Supporters say asylum laws should reflect modern forms of conflict.

Opponents say it would overburden the U.S. immigration system.

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