Masih v. Ashcroft

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Masih v. Ashcroft, 119 F. App'x 685 (5th Cir. 2005)
Barksdale, Jones, Per Curiam, Prado

Masih v. Ashcroft

Opinion

PER CURIAM: *

Aster Maria Noor Masih petitions for review of an order by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) affirming the decision of the Immigration Judge (IJ) to deny her application for asylum and withholding of removal under the Immigration and Nationality Act and her claim for withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Noor argues that the IJ erred in finding that her testimony was not credible. She argues further that she is entitled to asylum and withholding of removal because she will be subjected to persecution and torture based on her religious beliefs and activities if she is returned to Pakistan.

Where, as here, the BIA summarily affirms without opinion and essentially adopts the IJ’s decision, we review the IJ’s decision. See Efe v. Ashcroft, 293 F.3d 899, 903 (5th Cir. 2002). The IJ articulated cogent reasons, supported by substantial evidence in the record, for rejecting Noor’s testimony as lacking credibility. See Chun v. INS, 40 F.3d 76, 79 (5th Cir. 1994). The record does not compel reversal of the IJ’s *686 adverse credibility determination and his concomitant determination that Noor has not carried her burden of proving her entitlement to asylum, withholding of removal, or relief under the CAT. See Efe, 293 F.3d at 907; Girma v. INS, 283 F.3d 664, 666-67 (5th Cir. 2002).

Because the IJ’s finding that Noor’s testimony was not credible is sufficient grounds for affirming the BIA’s decision, we need not reach the IJ’s alternative ruling. See Chun, 40 F.3d at 79.

PETITION DENIED.

*

Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.

Reference

Full Case Name
Aster Maria Noor MASIH, Petitioner, v. John ASHCROFT, U.S. Attorney General, Respondent
Status
Unpublished