Isaias Abraha Haile v. Eric H. Holder Jr.

MEMORANDUM

Petitioner Isaías Abraha Haile, a native and citizen of Eritrea, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (“BIA”) decision affirming the immigration judge’s (“IJ”) denial of Haile’s application for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). We deny the petition for review.

Our review of the credibility determinations in this case is governed by the REAL ID Act of 2005 because Haile’s asylum application was filed after May 11, 2005. REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub.L. No. 109-13, § 101 (h)(2), 119 Stat. 231 ; see 8 U.S.C. § 1158 (b)(l)(B)(iii). We review an adverse credibility determination for substantial evidence. Malkandi v. Holder, 576 F.3d 906, 908 (9th Cir.2009). “We accord special deference to an IJ’s credibility determination, and will only exercise our power to grant a petition for review when the evidence compels a contrary conclusion.” Khadka v. Holder, 618 F.3d 996, 1000 (9th Cir.2010) (internal quotation marks and alterations omitted).

Substantial evidence supports the BIA’s conclusion that Haile was not credible. First, Haile’s statements about the basis of his fear of persecution in Eritrea were…