HIGINIO MEDRANO AJEATAZ COR v. JEFFERSON SESSIONS III UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL (2017)

UPON DUE CONSIDERATION of this petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) decision, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that the petition for review is DENIED.

Petitioner Higinio Medrano Ajeataz-Cor, a native and citizen of Guatemala, seeks review of a November 19, 2015, decision of the BIA affirming a December 1, 2014, decision of an Immigration Judge (“IJ”) denying asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). In re Higinio Medrano Ajeataz-Cor, No. A205 497 503 (B.I.A. Nov. 19, 2015), aff'g No. A205 497 503 (Immig. Ct. Hartford Dec. 1, 2014). We assume the parties' familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history in this case.

We review both the IJ's and the BIA's decisions here “for the sake of completeness.” Wangchuck v. Dep't of Homeland Sec., 448 F.3d 524, 528 (2d Cir. 2006). The applicable standards of review are well established. See 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(B); Yanqin Weng v. Holder, 562 F.3d 510, 513 (2d Cir. 2009). Because Ajeataz-Cor does not challenge the BIA's waiver determination, the only issues before us are whether Ajeataz-Cor satisfied his burden for withholding of removal and CAT relief based on his asserted fear of future persecution and torture.

Absent past persecution, an alien may establish eligibility for withholding of removal or CAT relief by demonstrating a likelihood of persecution or torture. 8 C.F.R. § 1208.16(b)(2), (c)(2); Ramsameachire v. Ashcroft, 357 F.3d 169, 178, 184-85 (2d Cir. 2004). Here, the agency acknowledged evidence that Guatemala suffers from rampant gang activity, including extortion. However, general violence in a country is insufficient to show that an individual is at a particular risk of harm. Melgar de Torres v. Reno, 191 F.3d 307, 314 & n.3 (2d Cir. 1999). Moreover, as the IJ found, the record contained no evidence that gangs in Guatemala target individuals, such as Ajeataz-Cor, based on their connections to the United States. See Jian Xing Huang v. U.S. INS, 421 F.3d 125, 129 (2d Cir. 2005) (“In the absence of solid support in the record ․ , [an applicant's] fear is speculative at best.”).

Ajeataz-Cor provided no testimony or other evidence to support the statement in his application that he had friends who were killed when they returned to Guatemala because they had lived in the United States. And he did not allege any other basis for fearing persecution or torture, admitting that he does not fear that gang members will attempt to recruit him, and that they had not tried to recruit his sons.

Accordingly, because Ajeataz-Cor failed to demonstrate a likelihood of persecution or torture, he failed to establish his eligibility for withholding of removal or CAT relief. We do not reach the agency's alternative bases for denying relief—Ajeataz-Cor's failure to demonstrate a nexus between the harm he fears and a protected ground (for withholding of removal) and government acquiescence (for CAT). See INS v. Bagamasbad, 429 U.S. 24, 25 (1976) (“As a general rule courts and agencies are not required to make findings on issues the decision of which is unnecessary to the results they reach.”).

For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is DENIED.

FOR THE COURT:

Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe, Clerk