Material Support Bar: Intent and Intended Use After Matter of S-K-
Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. This page focuses on the governing bar, burden, evidence, and remaining protection options.
Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition.
Core Rule
S-K donation-intent framework core rule applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for core rule.
S-K donation-intent framework core rule applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for core rule.
S-K donation-intent framework core rule applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for core rule. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for core rule.
Statutory Text
S-K donation-intent framework statutory text applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for statutory text.
S-K donation-intent framework statutory text applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for statutory text.
S-K donation-intent framework statutory text applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for statutory text. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for statutory text.
Precedent
S-K donation-intent framework precedent applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for precedent.
S-K donation-intent framework precedent applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for precedent.
S-K donation-intent framework precedent applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for precedent. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for precedent.
Trigger
S-K donation-intent framework trigger applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for trigger.
S-K donation-intent framework trigger applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for trigger.
S-K donation-intent framework trigger applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for trigger. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for trigger.
Burden
S-K donation-intent framework burden applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for burden. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for burden. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for burden. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for burden. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for burden. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for burden.
S-K donation-intent framework burden applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for burden. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for burden. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for burden. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for burden. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for burden. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for burden.
S-K donation-intent framework burden applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for burden. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for burden. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for burden. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for burden. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for burden. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for burden.
Evidence
S-K donation-intent framework evidence applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for evidence.
S-K donation-intent framework evidence applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for evidence.
S-K donation-intent framework evidence applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for evidence. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for evidence.
Applicant Position
S-K donation-intent framework applicant position applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for applicant position.
S-K donation-intent framework applicant position applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for applicant position.
S-K donation-intent framework applicant position applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for applicant position. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for applicant position.
DHS Position
S-K donation-intent framework dhs position applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for dhs position.
S-K donation-intent framework dhs position applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for dhs position.
S-K donation-intent framework dhs position applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for dhs position. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for dhs position.
Judge Findings
S-K donation-intent framework judge findings applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for judge findings.
S-K donation-intent framework judge findings applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for judge findings.
S-K donation-intent framework judge findings applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for judge findings. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for judge findings.
Asylum Effect
S-K donation-intent framework asylum effect applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for asylum effect.
S-K donation-intent framework asylum effect applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for asylum effect.
S-K donation-intent framework asylum effect applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for asylum effect. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for asylum effect.
Withholding Effect
S-K donation-intent framework withholding effect applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for withholding effect.
S-K donation-intent framework withholding effect applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for withholding effect.
S-K donation-intent framework withholding effect applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for withholding effect. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for withholding effect.
CAT Effect
S-K donation-intent framework cat effect applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for cat effect.
S-K donation-intent framework cat effect applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for cat effect.
S-K donation-intent framework cat effect applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for cat effect. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for cat effect.
Strategy
S-K donation-intent framework strategy applies this rule: The organization must still satisfy the applicable statutory terrorism definition. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for strategy.
S-K donation-intent framework strategy applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for strategy.
S-K donation-intent framework strategy applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for strategy. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for strategy.
Appeal Preservation
S-K donation-intent framework appeal preservation applies this rule: The nature and amount of assistance should be identified precisely. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for appeal preservation.
S-K donation-intent framework appeal preservation applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for appeal preservation.
S-K donation-intent framework appeal preservation applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for appeal preservation. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for appeal preservation.
Checklist
S-K donation-intent framework checklist applies this rule: Any available exemption authority should be analyzed separately from the initial statutory bar. S-K donation-intent framework separates credibility questions for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework tracks event chronology for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework states burden trigger for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework uses primary evidence for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework tests each element for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework addresses any exception for checklist.
S-K donation-intent framework checklist applies this rule: Matter of S-K- holds that benign intent in providing support does not by itself remove conduct from the material-support provision. S-K donation-intent framework distinguishes relief forms for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework identifies CAT consequences for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework requests explicit findings for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework preserves burden objections for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework connects precedent to facts for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework avoids conclusory labels for checklist.
S-K donation-intent framework checklist applies this rule: The intended use of the contribution by the recipient likewise is not a free-standing exception. S-K donation-intent framework states requested disposition for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework organizes exhibits by element for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework records party concessions for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework protects appellate review for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework starts with controlling text for checklist. S-K donation-intent framework identifies disputed conduct for checklist.
Primary Legal Authorities and Sources
- Matter of S-K-, 23 I&N Dec. 936 (BIA 2006) Material-support intent precedent.
- Matter of M-H-Z-, 26 I&N Dec. 757 (BIA 2016) Material-support no-duress precedent.
- 8 U.S.C. §1182(a)(3)(B) — Terrorist Activities Current terrorism-related definitions.
- 8 U.S.C. §1158 — Asylum Current asylum statute and statutory bars.
- 8 U.S.C. §1231(b)(3) — Withholding of Removal Current withholding statute and mandatory bars.
- 8 C.F.R. §1208.13 — Establishing Asylum Eligibility Current asylum eligibility and mandatory-bar regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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