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Weisa v. Gonzales

Citation: 156 F. App'x 409Docket: Docket No. 04-1618-AG NAC

Court: Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; December 1, 2005; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The case concerns a petition for review by an individual seeking asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) following the Board of Immigration Appeals' (BIA) affirmation of the Immigration Judge's (IJ) denial of these applications. The petitioner, claiming mistreatment based on religious beliefs, failed to meet the legal standards for persecution necessary for asylum. Incidents cited included limited professional opportunities, physical assault, and forced religious denigration, which were not deemed to rise to the level of persecution either individually or cumulatively. Additionally, the petitioner did not demonstrate a more likely than not chance of torture if returned to Egypt, failing to satisfy CAT requirements. The court reviewed the IJ's decision, as adopted by the BIA, by examining factual findings for substantial evidence and applying legal standards de novo. The petition for review was denied, along with any request for a stay of removal, rendering any pending motions moot, and adhering to procedural rules, requests for oral argument were also denied.

Legal Issues Addressed

Application of the Convention Against Torture (CAT)

Application: The petitioner failed to demonstrate a likelihood of facing torture upon return to Egypt, which is required for relief under the CAT.

Reasoning: The IJ determined Weisa did not show that he was more likely than not to face torture if returned to Egypt.

Denial of Stay of Removal

Application: The court denied Weisa's petition for review and vacated any previously granted stay of removal, rendering any pending motions for a stay moot.

Reasoning: Consequently, the court denied the petition for review, vacated any stay of removal previously granted, and denied any pending motions for a stay as moot.

Eligibility for Asylum and Persecution Standards

Application: Weisa's claims of mistreatment based on religious beliefs were deemed insufficient to constitute persecution necessary for asylum eligibility.

Reasoning: The IJ found these incidents, while unfortunate, did not rise to the level of persecution either individually or cumulatively.

Standard of Review for Immigration Decisions

Application: The court applied a de novo review of the legal conclusions and assessed factual findings for substantial evidence, affirming the Immigration Judge's determination.

Reasoning: The court reviews factual findings for substantial evidence and applies the law de novo.