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LINA TAN v. GARLAND (2021)

United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.2021-03-19No. No. 18-71241

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Opinion

MEMORANDUM **

Lina Tan, a native and citizen of China, petitions pro se for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ order dismissing her appeal from an immigration judges decision denying her application for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252. We review for substantial evidence the agencys factual findings, applying the standards governing adverse credibility determinations under the REAL ID Act. Shrestha v. Holder, 590 F.3d 1034, 1039-40 (9th Cir. 2010). We deny the petition for review.

Substantial evidence supports the agencys adverse credibility determination based on Tans omission of a phone call with her employer from her asylum application and declaration that, when raised for the first time in Tans testimony, described a new aspect of Tans claimed fear of returning to China. See id. at 1048 (adverse credibility determination reasonable under “the totality of circumstances”); see also Silva-Pereira v. Lynch, 827 F.3d 1176, 1185-86 (9th Cir. 2016) (prior omission supported adverse credibility determination where new allegations presented a more compelling claim of persecution). Tans explanations do not compel a contrary conclusion. See Lata v. INS, 204 F.3d 1241, 1245 (9th Cir. 2000). Substantial evidence also supports the agencys finding that Tan did not present documentary evidence that would otherwise establish her eligibility for relief. See Garcia v. Holder, 749 F.3d 785, 791 (9th Cir. 2014) (petitioners documentary evidence was insufficient to independently support claim in part because declarants were not available for cross examination and the authenticity of the documents relied on applicants discredited testimony). Thus, in the absence of credible testimony, in this case, Tans asylum and withholding of removal claims fail. See Farah v. Ashcroft, 348 F.3d 1153, 1156 (9th Cir. 2003).

Finally, substantial evidence supports the agencys denial of Tans CAT claim because it was based on the same evidence found not credible, and the additional evidence in the record does not compel the conclusion that it is more likely than not she would be tortured by or with the consent or acquiescence of the government if returned to China. See Shrestha, 590 F.3d at 1048-49.

As stated in the courts July 24, 2018 order, the temporary stay of removal remains in place until issuance of the mandate.

PETITION FOR REVIEW DENIED.