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Fei Chen v. Holder

Citation: 313 F. App'x 37Docket: No. 07-74409

Court: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; February 12, 2009; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

This case involves a Chinese national's petition for judicial review of the Board of Immigration Appeals' (BIA) decision, which upheld an immigration judge's (IJ) denial of his asylum application and withholding of removal relief. The court, exercising jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252, denied the petition. The BIA's adoption of the IJ's decision through Matter of Burbano led the court to review the IJ's findings directly. The court found substantial evidence supporting the IJ's adverse credibility determination, noting the petitioner's failure to mention key incidents in his asylum application, vague descriptions of events, and lack of corroborative testimony from potential witnesses. Additionally, the petitioner's due process claim was dismissed for failing to show prejudice. The court did not address arguments regarding past persecution due to the adverse credibility finding. Ultimately, the petition for review was denied, with the court's decision designated as non-precedential.

Legal Issues Addressed

Adverse Credibility Determinations

Application: The court upheld the immigration judge's adverse credibility determination due to inconsistencies in testimony and lack of corroborating evidence.

Reasoning: The court finds no compelling reason to overturn the IJ’s determination of Chen's lack of credibility.

Due Process in Immigration Proceedings

Application: A due process claim requires a demonstration of prejudice to be successful.

Reasoning: Additionally, Chen's due process claim does not demonstrate any prejudice, which is necessary for such a claim to succeed.

Importance of Corroborative Testimony

Application: Failure to provide corroborative testimony from key witnesses contributed to the adverse credibility determination.

Reasoning: Key factors contributing to this conclusion include Chen's ... failure to provide corroborative testimony from a local pastor or his uncle in Hawaii.

Judicial Review under 8 U.S.C. § 1252

Application: The court has jurisdiction to review decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals under this statute.

Reasoning: The court has jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252 and ultimately denies the petition.

Non-Precedential Decision Designation

Application: The court's decision is non-precedential, indicating it is not intended to serve as a binding authority.

Reasoning: Consequently, the petition for review is denied, and the decision is designated as non-precedential except as provided by specific circuit rules.