Opinion ID: 3201533
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: alleged previous grant of asylum

Text: Because the BIA’s finding that Fyneah was never granted asylum is supported by substantial evidence, his challenge to that finding fails. We must affirm a factual determination by the BIA if it is “supported by reasonable, substantial, and probative evidence on the record considered as a whole.” See 1 The USCIS’s 2009 interview process ultimately led to the proceedings at bar. 2 Fyneah does not challenge the BIA’s denial of asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT relief. Therefore, we consider those issues abandoned. See Ruga v. U.S. Att’y Gen., 757 F.3d 1193, 1196 (11th Cir. 2014). In reaching this conclusion, we have taken into account that Fyneah is proceeding pro se. See Timson v. Sampson, 518 F.3d 870, 874 (11th Cir. 2008) (per curiam) (“While we read briefs filed by pro se litigants liberally . . . issues not briefed on appeal by a pro se litigant are deemed abandoned.”). 2 Case: 15-15161 Date Filed: 05/09/2016 Page: 3 of 5 Najjar v. Ashcroft, 257 F.3d 1262, 1284 (11th Cir. 2001) (internal quotation marks omitted). This standard is “highly deferential.” Id. We view the evidence in the light most favorable to the BIA’s finding, drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of that determination. Forgue v. U.S. Att’y Gen., 401 F.3d 1282, 1286 (11th Cir. 2005). And, “[w]e may reverse only when the record compels it.” Li Shan Chen v. U.S. Att’y Gen., 672 F.3d 961, 964 (11th Cir. 2011) (per curiam) (internal quotation marks omitted). Fyneah argues that the BIA erred in determining that he was not previously granted asylum because USCIS documents suggest that he was granted asylum in 2004. We agree with Fyneah that the documents he references provide support for his claim. However, other evidence in the record—including a 2005 memorandum drafted by a USCIS asylum officer and a 2004 letter to Fyneah from the USCIS— strongly supports a finding that the USCIS made a preliminary determination regarding Fyneah’s asylum status but never actually granted him asylum. In light of this evidence, a “reasonable factfinder” could conclude that the USCIS did not grant Fyneah asylum. See Delgado v. U.S. Att’y Gen., 487 F.3d 855, 860 (11th Cir. 2007) (per curiam). Accordingly, the record does not compel us to reverse the BIA’s finding. See id. 3 Case: 15-15161 Date Filed: 05/09/2016 Page: 4 of 5