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Meihua Zhu v. Gonzales

Citation: 207 F. App'x 816Docket: No. 05-71815

Court: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; November 14, 2006; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The case involves a petition for review by a Chinese national challenging the Board of Immigration Appeals’ decision affirming an immigration judge's denial of asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. The court exercises jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252 and applies a substantial evidence standard in its review. The immigration judge's adverse credibility determination was pivotal, as it was based on inconsistencies in the petitioner’s testimony concerning her practice of Zhong Gong and the level of interest from Chinese authorities post-detainment. These inconsistencies undermined the petitioner’s claims of persecution, subsequently affecting her eligibility for asylum and withholding of removal. Her claim under the Convention Against Torture was similarly denied due to reliance on the discredited testimony and a lack of corroborative evidence. Consequently, the petition for review is denied, and the decision is not designated for publication or citation within the circuit, in accordance with 9th Cir. R. 36-3.

Legal Issues Addressed

Adverse Credibility Determination

Application: Inconsistencies in the petitioner’s testimony regarding her practice of Zhong Gong and the Chinese authorities’ interest in her post-detention were critical in supporting the IJ's adverse credibility determination.

Reasoning: The IJ's adverse credibility determination was supported by inconsistencies in Zhu's testimony regarding her alleged daily practice of Zhong Gong and the extent of the Chinese authorities' interest in her following her release from detention.

Eligibility for Asylum and Withholding of Removal

Application: Due to inconsistencies in her testimony, the petitioner failed to demonstrate eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal.

Reasoning: As a result, Zhu did not demonstrate eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal.

Jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252

Application: The court has jurisdiction to review the Board of Immigration Appeals' decision denying asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture.

Reasoning: The jurisdiction for this review is established under 8 U.S.C. § 1252.

Non-Publication of Disposition

Application: The court's disposition is not suitable for publication or citation within the circuit.

Reasoning: The petition for review is denied, and the disposition is not suitable for publication or citation in this circuit, as per 9th Cir. R. 36-3.

Protection under the Convention Against Torture

Application: The petitioner’s claim under the Convention Against Torture was denied as it relied on the same non-credible testimony, with no additional evidence presented.

Reasoning: Furthermore, her CAT claim, which relied on the same testimony deemed not credible by the BIA, also fails due to lack of additional evidence for consideration.

Substantial Evidence Standard

Application: The court applies the substantial evidence standard to review the adverse credibility determination made by the immigration judge.

Reasoning: The court, applying a substantial evidence standard, denies the petition for review.