Mohyedine Kaskas v. Eric Holder, Jr.

MEMORANDUM

Mohyedine Kaskas, a native and citizen of Lebanon, petitions for review of the BIA’s decision affirming the Immigration Judge’s denial of his applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. Because there is substantial evidence to support the BIA’s decision, we deny the petition. As the parties are familiar with the facts, procedural history, and arguments, we will not recount them here.

The evidence does not compel the conclusion that the harm suffered by Kaskas constituted past persecution. Kaskas did hot testify as to severe physical harm, nor did he provide any documentation to corroborate his claims of harm rising to the level of past persecution. An asylum applicant’s testimony “may be sufficient to sustain the applicant’s burden without corroboration, but only if the applicant satisfies the trier of fact that the applicant’s testimony is credible, is persuasive, and refers to specific facts sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant is a refugee.” 8 U.S.C. § 1158 (b)(l)(B)(ii). As Kaskas’-re-sponses did not satisfy this requirement, the record does not compel this Court to disturb the BIA’s finding of no…