Hardeep Singh v. John Ashcroft, Attorney General

Hardeep Singh petitions for review of the BIA’s dismissal of his appeal from the denial of his applications for asylum, withholding of deportation, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. Because the BIA properly dismissed Singh’s appeal, his petition is denied.

I

Singh, a native and citizen of India, illegally entered the United States on August 15, 1998. On March 22, 1999, the Immigration and Naturalization Service served Singh with a Notice to Appear in removal proceedings. On April 13, 1999, Singh, represented by counsel, conceded that he met the criteria for removal. However, he sought relief from removal, alleging both past persecution in India on account of his father’s political affiliations and a well-founded fear of future persecution if compelled to return. On May 7, 2001, the Immigration Judge (IJ) denied Singh’s claims, finding them meritless, and ordered him removed to India.

On May 19, 2001, Singh filed his Notice of Appeal with the BIA. On the front of this Notice (“Form EOIR-26”), he indicated the following grounds for appeal:

The following instructions appear directly above the section of the form where Singh listed these…