Singh
Singh v. Gonzales
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM **
Iqbal Singh, a native and citizen of India, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (“BIA”) decision dismissing his appeal from an Immigration Judge’s (“IJ”) denial of his application for asylum and withholding of removal, and request for relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). We review for substantial evidence and will uphold the BIA’s and IJ’s decisions unless the evidence compels a contrary conclusion. Malhi v. INS, 336 F.3d 989, 992-93 (9th Cir.2003). We deny the petition.
Substantial evidence supports the BIA’s and IJ’s denial of asylum based on an adverse credibility finding. Singh was vague when asked questions about Akali Dal Mann, and demonstrated minimal knowledge of the party’s goals and objectives, despite claiming to have contributed substantial funds to the party and to have been arrested and beaten three times on account of these donations. See Singh v. Ashcroft, 367 F.3d 1139, 1143 (9th Cir. 2004). The IJ’s negative assessment of Singh’s demeanor was specific and cogent, also supporting the adverse credibility finding. See Singh-Kaur v. INS, 183 F.3d 1147, 1151 (9th Cir.1999).