Xin Wang v. Eric Holder, Jr.

MEMORANDUM

Xin Wang, a native and citizen of China, petitions pro se for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (“BIA”) order dismissing his appeal from an immigration judge’s (“IJ”) decision denying his application for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). Our jurisdiction is governed by 8 U.S.C. § 1252 . We review for substantial evidence the agency’s factual findings. Wakkary v. Holder, 558 F.3d 1049, 1056 (9th Cir.2009). We review de novo claims of due process violations. Simeonov v. Ashcroft, 371 F.3d 532, 535 (9th Cir.2004). We deny in part and dismiss in part the petition for review.

Substantial evidence supports the BIA’s determination that Wang did not show that his political opinion, or any other protected characteristic, was a “central reason” for the harm he suffered or fears. See Parussimova v. Mukasey, 555 F.3d 734, 740 (9th Cir.2009) (“a protected ground [must] represent ‘one central reason’ for an asylum applicant’s persecution”). Thus, Wang’s asylum and withholding of removal claims fail.

Substantial evidence also supports the agency’s denial of CAT relief because Wang failed to show it is more likely…