Shariff David Bula Lopez v. U.S. Attorney General
Shariff David Bula Lopez v. U.S. Attorney General
Opinion
Shariff Bula Lopez petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals' ("BIA") decision affirming the Immigration Judge's ("IJ") order of removal. After review, and with the benefit of oral argument, we dismiss in part and deny in part Bula Lopez's petition.
I. BACKGROUND
A. Immigration Proceedings
In 1989, Bula Lopez, a native and citizen of Colombia, moved to the United States, and in 1993 he became a lawful permanent resident ("LPR") of the United States. In 1997, Bula Lopez pled guilty "in his best interest" in Florida state court to one count of possession with intent to deliver *391 Flunitrazepam 1 and was sentenced to two years' probation. Upon returning from a trip abroad in April 2010, Bula Lopez applied for admission to the United States as an LPR and was paroled into the United States pending removal proceedings based on his prior drug conviction.
In September 2010, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") issued Bula Lopez a Notice to Appear ("NTA") charging him as removable, in relevant part: (1) under Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA") § 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I),
Bula Lopez, through counsel, denied these charges of removability. Before the IJ, Bula Lopez argued, among other things, that his 1997 Florida conviction was for simple possession of Flunitrazepam, not possession with intent to deliver, and thus his prior conviction did not constitute a CIMT.
B. IJ's Order
In a written order, the IJ found that Bula Lopez's Florida conviction was for possession with intent to deliver, not simple possession. Florida Statute § 893.13(1)(a) criminalizes possession with intent to deliver, whereas Florida Statute § 893.13(6)(a) criminalizes simple possession.
The IJ noted that DHS bears the burden of proving Bula Lopez's inadmissibility by clear and convincing evidence. The IJ acknowledged there was "some ambiguity" regarding the statutory basis for Bula Lopez's Flunitrazepam conviction. The language of the guilty plea form, plea hearing transcript, sentencing documents, and arrest warrant affidavit all described his offense as possession with intent to deliver. However, one document - the information - referred to § 893.13(6)(a), although it also described the offense as possession with intent to deliver. The IJ therefore found "that the preponderance of the evidence supports the conclusion that [Bula Lopez] was convicted under
Having determined that Bula Lopez's prior conviction was for possession with intent to deliver Flunitrazepam under § 893.13(1)(a), the IJ then determined that his conviction qualified as a CIMT under the INA and sustained that charge of removability. The IJ did not, however, sustain Bula Lopez's second charge of removability, for having violated a law relating to a controlled substance, as defined in the CSA. The IJ concluded that Bula Lopez's conviction did not qualify as a controlled substance violation because Flunitrazepam was not listed in the CSA schedules found in
C. Appeal to the BIA
Bula Lopez, through counsel, appealed to the BIA. On appeal, Bula Lopez argued that the IJ applied the wrong standard of proof in determining that his 1997 Florida *392 conviction was for possession with intent to deliver, rather than mere possession. Bula Lopez asserted that DHS had the burden to prove his conviction was a CIMT by clear and convincing evidence, but the IJ erroneously applied a preponderance of the evidence standard. Bula Lopez also argued that the IJ erred in sustaining the CIMT charge because Flunitrazepam was not a federally controlled substance, and his offense, whether under § 893.13(6)(a) or § 893.13(1)(a), lacked the requisite "evil intent" mens rea requirement. Bula Lopez also requested a remand to pursue a waiver of inadmissibility under INA § 212(h).
In response, DHS moved for summary affirmance of the IJ's order. DHS argued that the IJ correctly found Bula Lopez was convicted of possession with intent to deliver Flunitrazepam and that his conviction constituted a CIMT. In addition, DHS argued that, contrary to the IJ's finding, Flunitrazepam is a federally controlled substance under the CSA.
In his reply brief, Bula Lopez contended, among other things, that the BIA could not consider the IJ's finding that Flunitrazepam is not a controlled substance because DHS did not file a cross-appeal.
D. BIA Decision
The BIA dismissed Bula Lopez's appeal and denied his motion to remand. First, the BIA addressed Bula Lopez's argument that the IJ applied the wrong burden of proof. The BIA noted that the IJ identified the correct clear and convincing evidence standard in its decision, but also referred to the incorrect preponderance of the evidence standard in making its finding regarding Bula Lopez's statute of conviction. The BIA concluded, however, that "this misstatement [was] not material" because the record provided clear and convincing evidence that Bula Lopez was convicted under § 893.13(1)(a) for possession with intent to deliver Flunitrazepam.
Next, the BIA affirmed the IJ's determination that Bula Lopez's conviction was a CIMT. In the course of that analysis, the BIA "address[ed] the [IJ's] erroneous determination that Flunitrazepam is not a controlled substance under immigration law." The BIA explained that: (1) although Flunitrazepam is "not directly listed at
Further, the BIA expressly rejected Bula Lopez's argument that it could not consider the IJ's finding regarding Flunitrazepam on appeal because DHS had not cross-appealed. The BIA stated: "No separate appeal is required where, as here, the non-appealing party seeks to defend the [IJ's] decision based on different reasons."
The BIA also denied Bula Lopez's request for a remand to pursue a § 212(h) waiver. The BIA concluded that Bula Lopez was ineligible for such relief because his Flunitrazepam conviction was a "drug trafficking crime" and, therefore, an aggravated felony under the INA.
Bula Lopez now petitions this Court for review.
*393 II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
When the BIA issues its own decision, we review only that decision, except to the extent the BIA expressly adopts the IJ's opinion or reasoning.
Seek v. U.S. Att'y Gen.
,
Bula Lopez argues that the BIA erred: (1) in concluding his prior conviction was for possession with intent to deliver Flunitrazepam because the records of his conviction are ambiguous; (2) in considering DHS's argument on appeal that, contrary to the IJ's determination, Bula Lopez was removable for having committed a controlled substance violation because DHS did not file a cross-appeal; and (3) in concluding that Flunitrazepam is a controlled substance for purposes of the INA, such that his conviction qualifies as a CIMT, controlled substance violation, and aggravated felony. We address each issue in turn.
III. STATUTE OF CONVICTION
As a preliminary matter, we must address whether we have jurisdiction to review the BIA's factual determination that Bula Lopez was convicted of possession with intent to deliver under
However, even in cases involving criminal aliens, we "have jurisdiction to determine underlying facts that establish our jurisdiction or lack of it."
Garces v. U.S. Att'y Gen.
,
Here, we must answer an underlying factual question - whether Bula Lopez was convicted of possession with intent to deliver Flunitrazepam or merely simple possession of Flunitrazepam - to determine whether he is removable because of that criminal conviction and, therefore, whether INA § 242's jurisdictional limitations apply. Thus, as in
Garces
and
Adefemi
, our jurisdictional inquiry merges with the merits of Bula Lopez's challenge, which rests in part on his assertion that DHS failed to prove his statute of conviction by sufficient evidence.
See Garces
,
We have no trouble concluding, on this record, that substantial evidence supports the BIA's finding that Bula Lopez was convicted under § 893.13(1)(a) (possession with intent to deliver), and not § 893.13(6)(a) (simple possession). Though the information does cite § 893.13(6)(a), it twice refers to Bula Lopez's offense as "possession with intent to deliver flunitrazepam." And aside from this one citation, no other document in the record indicates that Bula Lopez's conviction was for simple possession. Indeed, Bula Lopez's signed guilty plea form likewise refers to the charge as "possession with intent to deliver flunitrazepam," as does the plea hearing transcript. Three state court sentencing documents and the arrest warrant affidavit also refer to Bula Lopez's offense as, respectively, (1) "poss w/ intent to deliver/sell flunitrazepam," (2) "poss with intent to del.," (3) "poss/sell/deliv flunitrazepam," and (4) "poss w/ intent to deliver - flunitrazepam." In short, reasonable, substantial evidence supports a finding that Bula Lopez was convicted of possession with intent to deliver under § 893.13(1)(a), and the single reference in the information to § 893.13(6)(a) does not compel reversal.
2
See Indrawati
,
Having concluded that substantial evidence supports the BIA's factual finding regarding Bula Lopez's statute of conviction, we lack jurisdiction under INA § 242 to grant Bula Lopez relief on this claim.
See
INA § 242(a)(2)(C), (D),
Bula Lopez's remaining two claims, however, present legal questions over which we have jurisdiction even under INA § 242. INA § 242(a)(2)(D),
*395 IV. FAILURE TO CROSS-APPEAL
The BIA found that Bula Lopez's conviction was both a controlled substance violation and a CIMT. Because the IJ found Bula Lopez removable only on the CIMT ground, Bula Lopez argues the BIA could not reach the controlled substance violation ground without a cross-appeal by DHS. DHS responds that the BIA did not err in considering this alternative basis for Bula Lopez's removability.
The BIA's regulations do not contain any specific rules regarding the filing of cross-appeals.
See, e.g.
,
The Supreme Court has explained that "[a]n appellee who does not take a cross-appeal may urge in support of a decree any matter appearing before the record, although his argument may involve an attack upon the reasoning of the lower court."
See Jennings v. Stephens
, 574 U.S. ___, ___,
To determine whether the cross-appeal rule applies, we must distinguish between the rights of a party and the reasons a court gives for recognizing those rights. Because "[c]ourts reduce their opinions and verdicts to judgments precisely to define the rights and liabilities of the parties," it is the judgment of the court, not its opinion, that matters.
In concluding that Jennings could raise his third ineffective-assistance theory on appeal without filing a cross appeal, the Supreme Court explained:
Jennings' rights under the judgment [granting habeas relief on the first two theories] were what the judgment provided - release, resentencing, or commutation within a fixed time, at the State's option; the [third] theory would give him the same. Similarly, the State's rights under the judgment were to retain Jennings in custody pending resentencing or to commute his sentence; the [third] theory would allow no less.
The Court further explained that "[a] prevailing party seeks to enforce not a district court's reasoning, but the court's
*396
judgment
," and that federal appellate courts "do[] not review lower courts' opinions, but their
judgments.
"
Here, DHS's controlled substance argument on appeal to the BIA is akin to the alternative argument raised in
Jennings
. Like the habeas petitioner in
Jennings
, DHS here prevailed on one theory of removability (CIMT), but not on another (controlled substance violation) and, on appeal, defended the IJ's order of removability on both theories.
See
V. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE VIOLATION
The INA provides that an LPR (such as Bula Lopez) is considered an "applicant for admission," and therefore subject to removal, if he "has committed an offense identified in section 1182(a)(2) of this title." INA § 101(a)(13)(C)(v),
Those five schedules of controlled substances are listed at
Bula Lopez contends that because Flunitrazepam is not listed in the initial schedules of controlled substances contained in § 812 of the CSA, it is not a controlled substance for purposes of the INA.
See
One further issue bears mention. Bula Lopez also argues, based on his contention that Flunitrazepam is not a controlled substance, that his Florida conviction is not an aggravated felony and does not render him ineligible to pursue a waiver of inadmissibility under INA § 212(h). He therefore requests that we remand this case to allow him to pursue a § 212(h) waiver. DHS responds that Flunitrazepam is a controlled substance, and the BIA correctly denied Bula Lopez's request for a remand to pursue a § 212(h) waiver because he is ineligible for such relief.
INA § 212(h) allows the Attorney General to waive removal for certain aliens. INA § 212(h),
Possession with intent to distribute Flunitrazepam is a federal crime under the CSA punishable by over a year's imprisonment.
5
Because Bula Lopez's crime was an aggravated felony, the BIA did not err in denying Bula Lopez's motion for a remand to pursue a § 212(h) waiver, and we must deny his present request for a remand to seek such relief.
VI. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, we dismiss in part and deny in part Bula Lopez's petition for review.
PETITION DISMISSED in part and DENIED in part.
Flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol, is a sedative commonly used as a date rape drug.
To the extent Bula Lopez argued at oral argument that his petition must be granted because the IJ applied the wrong burden of proof in resolving this factual question, we note that the BIA applied the correct, clear and convincing evidence standard, and it is the BIA's decision that we are reviewing.
Seek
,
Indeed, Flunitrazepam has been on Schedule IV since late 1984, well before Bula-Lopez's conviction.
See
Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedules of Controlled Substances,
Bula Lopez argues that the BIA cannot rely on Flunitrazepam's listing in the C.F.R. because that list is compiled by the Drug Enforcement Agency ("DEA"), not Congress, and Congress is the only body with the authority to make and amend laws. Unfortunately for Bula Lopez, that is an argument he needs to take up with the Supreme Court.
See Touby v. United States
, , 169,
Pursuant to federal law, to "distribute" is to "deliver (other than by administering or dispensing) a controlled substance," and administering or dispensing a controlled substance both involve lawful medical or scientific purposes.
Section 893.13 clarifies that delivery of a controlled substance for legitimate medical or scientific purposes is not illegal.
We note that Bula Lopez's only challenge to the BIA's aggravated felony determination is his contention that Flunitrazepam is not a controlled substance. He does not raise an argument based on
Donawa v. U.S. Att'y Gen.
, (11th Cir. 2013), apparently because his 1997 Florida conviction occurred before the Florida legislature amended the mens rea requirement for § 893.13 offenses in 2002.
See
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Shariff David BULA LOPEZ, Petitioner, v. U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL, Respondent.
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published