Lapian v. Gonzales

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Lapian v. Gonzales, 153 F. App'x 915 (4th Cir. 2005)

Lapian v. Gonzales

Opinion

PER CURIAM:

Bart Emmanuel Lapian, a native and citizen of Indonesia, petitions for review of an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals affirming, without opinion, the immigration judge’s denial of his requests for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture.

In his petition for review, Lapian challenges the immigration judge’s determination that he failed to establish his eligibility for asylum. To obtain reversal of a determination denying eligibility for relief, an alien “must show that the evidence he presented was so compelling that no reasonable factfinder could fail to find the requisite fear of persecution.” INS v. Elias-Zacanas, 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 Lapian fails to show that the evidence compels a contrary result. Accordingly, we cannot grant the relief that he seeks.

Additionally, we uphold the denial of Lapian’s request for withholding of removal. “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). Because Lapian fails to show that he is eligible for asylum, he cannot meet the higher standard for withholding of removal. *

*916 Accordingly, we deny the 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

*

Lapian does not challenge the immigration judge’s denial of his request for protection *916 under the Convention Against Torture in his petition for review.

Reference

Full Case Name
Bart Emmanuel LAPIAN, Petitioner, v. Alberto R. GONZALES, Respondent
Status
Unpublished