Naiqiang He v. Eric Holder, Jr.

MEMORANDUM

Alhasan Gerew, a native and citizen of The Gambia, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ order dismissing his appeal from an immigration judge’s decision denying his application for asylum, withholding of removal and relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252 . We review factual findings, including adverse credibility findings, for substantial evidence. Singh v. Ashcroft, 367 F.3d 1139, 1143 (9th Cir.2004). We deny the petition for review.

Substantial evidence supports the agency’s adverse credibility finding. Gerew’s testimony regarding his own views and those of his political party were vague and unresponsive. See id. Absent credible testimony, Gerew’s asylum and withholding claims fail. See Farah v. Ashcroft, 348 F.3d 1153, 1156 (9th Cir.2003).

Further, substantial evidence also supports the agency’s denial of Gerew’s CAT claim because he did not establish it is more likely than not he will be tortured by the Gambian government or with its consent or acquiescence. See Silaya v. Mukasey, 524 F.3d 1066, 1073 (9th Cir.2008).

Finally, we reject Gerew’s contention that the agency did not conduct…