CHANTHA v. BARR (2019)

MEMORANDUM **

Vanxay Chantha, a native and citizen of Laos, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ order dismissing his appeal from an immigration judge’s decision denying his application for withholding of removal and relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252. We review for substantial evidence the agency’s factual findings. Garcia-Milian v. Holder, 755 F.3d 1026, 1031 (9th Cir. 2014). We deny the petition for review.

Chantha does not meaningfully challenge the agency’s particularly serious crime determination. See Martinez-Serrano v. INS, 94 F.3d 1256, 1259-60 (9th Cir. 1996) (issues not specifically raised and argued in a party’s opening brief are waived). See also Maldonado v. Morales, 556 F.3d 1037, 1048 n.4 (9th Cir. 2009) (“Arguments made in passing and inadequately briefed are waived.”). Thus, Chantha’s withholding of removal claim fails.

Substantial evidence supports the agency’s denial of deferral of removal under CAT because Chantha failed to show it is more likely than not he will be tortured by or with the consent or acquiescence of the government if returned to Laos. See Aden v. Holder, 589 F.3d 1040, 1047 (9th Cir. 2009).

PETITION FOR REVIEW DENIED.