Solorzano

MEMORANDUM ***

Ludvin Antonio Solorzano, a native and citizen of Guatemala, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ summary affirmance of the Immigration Judge’s (“IJ”) order denying his applications for asylum and withholding of deportation. Because the transitional rules apply, see Kalaw v. INS, 133 F.3d 1147, 1149-50 (9th Cir.1997), we have jurisdiction pursuant to former 8 U.S.C. § 1105a(a). We review for substantial evidence the denial of asylum, Cruz-Navarro v. INS, 232 F.3d 1024, 1028 (9th Cir.2000), and we deny the petition for review.

Assuming Solorzano was credible, the record does not compel the conclusion that the guerrillas were interested in Solorzano because of his actual or imputed political opinion, or any other protected ground. See INS v. Elias-Zacarias, 502 U.S. 478, 482 , 112 S.Ct. 812 , 117 L.Ed.2d 38 (1992) (holding that forced recruitment without more is insufficient to establish persecution on account of one’s political opinion). Accordingly, the IJ’s determination that Solorzano is not eligible for asylum or withholding of deportation is supported by substantial evidence. See id.

Pursuant to Elian v. Ashcroft, 370 F.3d 897 (9th…