Sheng Liu v. Board of Immigration Appeals
Opinion of the Court
SUMMARY ORDER
Petitioner Sheng Liu, a native and citizen of the People’s Republic of China, seeks review of a January 19, 2007 order of the BIA affirming the August 18, 2005 decision of Immigration Judge (“IJ”) Paul A. Defonzo denying Liu’s applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). In re Sheng Liu, No. A 96 031 669 (B.I.A. Jan. 19, 2007), aff'g No. A 96 031 669 (Immig. Ct. N.Y. City, Aug. 18, 2005). We assume the parties’ familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history in this case.
When the BIA affirms the IJ’s decision in all respects but one, this Court reviews the IJ’s decision as modified by the BIA decision, i.e., “minus the single argument for denying relief that was rejected by the BIA.” Xue Hong Yang v. U.S. Dep’t of Justice, 426 F.3d 520, 522 (2d Cir. 2005). When “the BIA agrees with the IJ’s conclusion that a petitioner is not credible and, without rejecting any of the IJ’s grounds for decision, emphasizes particular aspects of that decision,” this Court reviews both the BIA’s and IJ’s opinions— or more precisely, the Court reviews “the IJ’s decision including the portions not explicitly discussed by the BIA”. Yun-Zui Guan v. Gonzales, 432 F.3d 391, 394 (2d Cir. 2005). Here, the BIA disagreed with the IJ’s finding that Liu had filed a frivolous asylum application. In addition, the BIA referenced some, but not all of the factors upon which the IJ relied in making his adverse credibility finding. Thus, we review both the BIA’s and IJ’s decisions, excluding the IJ’s finding of frivolousness.
This Court reviews the agency’s factual findings, including adverse credibility determinations, under the substantial evidence standard, treating them as “conclusive unless any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary.” 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(B); see, e.g., Zhou Yun Zhang v. INS, 386 F.3d 66, 73 & n. 7 (2d Cir. 2004).
Substantial evidence supports the agency’s adverse credibility determination. The record reflects that when faced with vague testimony regarding the manner in which Chinese government officials warned Liu not to attend an underground church, the IJ adequately probed for further details. However, this probing either yielded no information from Liu, or elicited further discrepancies between his testimony and written application. Therefore, Liu’s vague testimony substantiated the IJ’s adverse credibility finding. See Jin Shui Qiu v. Ashcroft, 329 F.3d 140, 152 (2d Cir. 2003).
The IJ also reasonably relied on inconsistencies in the record between Liu’s testimony, written application, and statements from family members to support his adverse credibility finding. For instance, the IJ accurately observed that Liu testified that three cadres and six public security officials “burst into” a
Additionally, the IJ reasonably found that Liu’s omission from his written application of an alleged physical altercation between him and government officials, further undermined his credibility. Because this omission was material to his claim that he had narrowly escaped arrest in China on account of his practice of Christianity, it supported the IJ’s adverse credibility finding. Cf. Secaida-Rosales v. INS, 331 F.3d 297, 308 (2d Cir. 2003). Moreover, we accord deference to the IJ’s demeanor finding, specifically, that Liu’s responses were often “unresponsive.” See Zhou Yun Zhang, 386 F.3d at 73 (emphasizing that a fact-finder who assesses testimony together with demeanor is in the best position to discern more accurately the impression conveyed by the witness).
Finally, there is no indication in the record that the deficiencies in Liu’s testimony were caused by Liu’s lack of education, or errors in the interpreter’s translation, as Liu argues in his brief to this Court. Liu, represented by counsel at all stages of his proceedings, did not raise any objections to the translation during his hearing.
Because the only evidence of a threat to Liu’s life or freedom or a likelihood of torture depended upon his credibility, the adverse credibility determination in this case necessarily precludes success on his claims for withholding of removal and relief under the CAT. See Paul v. Gonzales, 444 F.3d 148, 156 (2d Cir. 2006).
For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is DENIED.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- SHENG LIU v. BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
- Status
- Published