Weije Wang v. Eric H. Holder Jr.

MEMORANDUM

Weije Wang petitions for review of a March 26, 2008, order of the Board of Immigration Appeals affirming the Immigration Judge’s denial of Wang’s applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture. Because the parties are familiar with the factual and procedural history of this case, we repeat only those facts necessary to resolve the issues raised on appeal. For the reasons stated below, we deny Wang’s petition.

I. The IJ’s Adverse Credibility Determination is Supported by Substantial Evidence.

Adverse credibility findings are reviewed under the substantial evidence standard. Rizk v. Holder, 629 F.3d 1083, 1087 (9th Cir.2011). An IJ must articulate a legitimate basis to question the applicant’s credibility, and must offer specific and cogent reasons for any stated disbelief. See Rivera v. Mukasey, 508 F.3d 1271, 1275 (9th Cir.2007). Under the REAL ID Act, “trivial inconsistencies that under the total circumstances have no bearing on a petitioner’s veracity should not form the basis of an adverse credibility determination.” Shrestha v. Holder, 590 F.3d 1034, 1044 (9th Cir.2010). But significant inconsistencies, regardless…