U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2005

Mema v. Gonzales

Mema v. Gonzales
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit · Decided September 15, 2005 · Wilkinson, King, Duncan
143 F. App'x 545

Mema v. Gonzales

Opinion

PER CURIAM:

Drita Mema, a native and citizen of Albania, petitions for review of an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) affirming without opinion the immigration judge’s order denying her applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. In her petition for review, Mema challenges the immigration judge’s determination that she failed to establish her eligibility for asylum. To obtain reversal of a determination denying eligibility for asylum, an alien “must show that the evidence he presented was so compelling that no reasonable factfinder could fad to find the requisite fear of persecution.” INS v. Elias-Zacarias, 502 U.S. 478, 483-84, 112 S.Ct. 812, 117 L.Ed.2d 38 (1992). We have reviewed the evidence of record and conclude that Mema fails to show that the evidence compels a contrary result. Accordingly, we cannot grant the relief she seeks.

Nor can Mema show that she is entitled to withholding of removal under 8 U.S.C. § 1231(b)(3) (2000). “Because the burden of proof for withholding of removal is higher than for asylum—even though the facts that must be proved are the same—an applicant who is ineligible for asylum is necessarily ineligible for withholding of removal under [8 U.S.C.] § 1231(b)(3).” Camara v. Ashcroft, 378 F.3d 361, 367 (4th Cir. 2004).

Furthermore, we conclude that substantial evidence supports the immigration judge’s determination that Mema did not establish it was more likely than not that she would be tortured “by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.” 8 C.F.R. § 1208.18(a)(1) (2004). Therefore, she has not established her entitlement to relief under the CAT.

Finally, we find no error in the Board’s decision to affirm without opinion the immigration judge’s oral decision. See Blanco de Belbruno v. Ashcroft, 362 F.3d 272 (4th Cir. 2004). Accordingly, we deny Mema’s petition for review. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

PETITION DENIED

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