Samuel Saparto v. Eric H. Holder Jr.

MEMORANDUM

Samuel Saparto, a native and citizen of Liberia, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (BIA) order denying his claim for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). He argues the BIA erred by: ruling that he did not establish past persecution on account of imputed political opinion; determining that the record contains sufficient evidence of changed country conditions to overcome any presumption of future persecution; determining that he failed to establish eligibility for relief under the CAT; and denying him asylum on humanitarian grounds. We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252 and deny the petition.

We review the BIA’s decision that an applicant is not eligible for asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT relief for “substantial evidence.” Hu v. Holder, 652 F.3d 1011, 1016 (9th Cir.2011). Under this deferential standard, “administrative findings of fact are conclusive unless any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary.” 8 U.S.C. § 1252 (b)(4)(B).

I. Asylum and Withholding of Removal

Saparto argues he was persecuted on account of the protected ground of “imputed…