U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2006

Hernandez v. Gonzales

Hernandez v. Gonzales
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit · Decided August 11, 2006 · Davis, Wiener, Benavides
193 F. App'x 379

Hernandez v. Gonzales

Opinion

PER CURIAM: *

Carlos Alberto Lozano Hernandez (Lozano) petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (BIA’s) decision denying his requests for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). He also asks that his voluntary departure period be either reinstated or extended.

First, we lack jurisdiction to review the Lozano’s asylum claim because the BIA adopted the immigration judge’s conclusion that the application was time-barred. See 8 U.S.C. § 1158(a)(3). With regard to Lozano’s eligibility for withholding of removal, even if we were to assume arguendo that Lozano suffered past persecution, the facts relied on by the immigration judge rebutted the presumption of future persecution; Lozano was able to relocate to different areas of Colombia to avoid reprisal from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). See 8 C.F.R. § 1208.16(b)(l)(i)(B). Lozano does not challenge the immigration judge’s finding in this regard and has therefore waived its review. See Rodriguez v. INS, 9 F.3d 408, 414 n. 15 (5th Cir. 1993). In light of the foregoing, the evidence does not compel a finding that he is entitled to withholding of *380 removal. See Efe v. Ashcroft, 293 F.3d 899, 906 (5th Cir. 2002).

Similarly, the determination that Lozano is not entitled to relief under the CAT is supported by substantial evidence. See Ontunez-Tursios v. Ashcroft, 303 F.3d 341, 353 (5th Cir. 2002). Again, even if we were to assume arguendo that Lozano was physically tortured by FARC, the evidence does not support a determination that the Colombian government or public officials sanctioned that abuse, which is necessary to establish eligibility for CAT relief. See 8 C.F.R. § 208.18(a)(1). Finally, we decline Lozano’s request to reinstate or extend the period of voluntary departure. Cf. Bocova v. Gonzales, 412 F.3d 257, 266 (1st Cir. 2005).

PETITION DISMISSED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.

*

Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.

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