Husaj v. Mukasey
Opinion of the Court
SUMMARY ORDER
Fatos Husaj, assertedly a native of the former Yugoslavia and citizen of Serbia, seeks review of a May 14, 2007 order of the BIA affirming the November 3, 2005 decision of Immigration Judge (“IJ”) William F. Jankun, which denied his applications for asylum and withholding of removal. In re Husaj, Fatos No. A79 417 017 (B.I.A. May 14, 2007), aff'g No. A79 417 017 (Immig. Ct. N.Y. City Nov. 3, 2005). We assume the parties’ familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history in this case.
When the BIA issues an opinion that fully adopts the IJ’s decision, this Court reviews the IJ’s decision. See, e.g., Chun Gao v. Gonzales, 424 F.3d 122, 124 (2d Cir. 2005). We review 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., Manzur v. U.S. Dept. of Homeland Sec., 494 F.3d 281, 289 (2d Cir. 2007). However, we will vacate and remand for new findings if the agency’s reasoning or its fact-finding process was sufficiently flawed. Cao He Lin v. U.S. Dep’t of Justice, 428 F.3d 391, 406 (2d Cir. 2005); Tian-Yong Chen v. INS, 359 F.3d 121, 129 (2d Cir. 2004). We review de novo questions of law and the application of law to undisputed fact. See, e.g., Secaida-Rosales v. INS, 331 F.3d 297, 307 (2d Cir. 2003).
As an initial matter, although petitioner is challenging the denial of relief in “asylum-only” proceedings, as opposed to an actual removal order, we nonetheless have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252(a)(1) because the denial of relief in these circumstances is the functional equivalent of a removal order. See Kanacevic v. INS, 448 F.3d 129, 134 (2d Cir. 2006).
We find that the IJ’s adverse credibility determination is supported by substantial evidence. The record reflects the IJ’s finding that while Husaj stated at his airport interview that he had never been
Husaj argues that corroborative evidence in the record otherwise establishes his claims. However, the IJ properly concluded that because Husaj submitted a passport determined to be fraudulent by the Forensic Document Laboratory, the balance of his evidence was called into question.
Because these findings provided a sufficient basis for the IJ’s adverse credibility determination, we need not reach the IJ’s alternative burden of proof findings.
Finally, because the only evidence of a threat to Husaj’s life or freedom depended upon his credibility, the adverse credibility determination in this case precludes success on his claim for withholding of removal. See Paul v. Gonzales, 444 F.3d 148, 156 (2d Cir. 2006); Wu Biao Chen v. INS, 344 F.3d 272, 275 (2d Cir. 2003).
For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is DENIED. As we have completed our review, petitioner’s pending motion for a stay of removal in this petition is DISMISSED as moot.
. In his brief to the BIA, Husaj submitted a letter purportedly from the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia stating that his passport is valid. However, the BIA properly declined to consider the letter as rebuttal evidence because it was not submitted to the IJ and Husaj failed to file a motion to remand based on new evidence. See 8 CFR § 1003.l(d)(3)(iv); see also Xian Tuan Ye v. Dep’t of Homeland Security, 446 F.3d 289, 296 (2d Cir. 2006).
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Fatos HUSAJ v. Michael B. MUKASEY, United States, Attorney General
- Status
- Published