; (B) by striking clause (iii); and (C) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: (iii) Supporting evidence accepted Direct or circumstantial evidence, including evidence that the government of the applicable country is unable or unwilling to protect individuals of the applicant’s race, religion, nationality, particular social group, or political opinion, or that the legal or social norms of the country tolerate persecution against individuals of the applicant’s race, religion, nationality, particular social group, or political opinion, may establish that persecution is on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. (iv) Credibility determination (I) In general Subject to subclause (II), a trier of fact may conduct a credibility assessment in the context of evaluating an applicant’s claim for asylum. (II) Procedural and substantive requirements (aa) Objectivity Decisions regarding credibility shall be made objectively, impartially, and individually. (bb) Material facts A credibility assessment under this clause may only be conducted on the material facts of the applicant’s claim. The perception of the trier of fact with respect to the applicant’s general truthfulness or trustworthiness shall not be relevant to assessing credibility of material facts. (cc) Detail and specificity In assessing credibility, a trier of fact may consider the detail and specificity of information provided by the applicant, the internal consistency of the applicant’s statements, and the consistency of the applicant’s statements with available external information. In considering such information and statements, the trier of fact shall consider the applicant’s contextual circumstances, including— (AA) exposure to trauma; (BB) age; (CC) gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity; (DD) educational background; (EE) physical or mental health issues; (FF) shame, stigma, or denial; (GG) communication difficulties; (HH) intercultural barriers