Opinion ID: 4135
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Claim Based on Political Activities in the

Text: United States In the absence of past persecution, an alien can still demonstrate eligibility for relief if he can show that it is more likely than not he would face persecution on account of a protected ground. See 8 C.F.R. § 1208.16(b)(2). Xu asserts that the BIA erred in considering only whether the Chinese government was currently aware of his activities on behalf of the Chinese Democratic Justice Party (“CDJP”) in the United States, rather than also determining whether the government was likely to become aware of those activities. We review the IJ’s decision as supplemented by the BIA decision. See Yan Chen v. Gonzales, 417 F.3d 268, 271 (2d Cir. 2005). Here, the IJ reasonably concluded that the Chinese Government was not aware, or likely to become aware, of Xu’s activities because the articles he published on behalf of the CDJP were written under pseudonyms and because he was a low-level member of the organization. See Hongsheng Leng v. Mukasey, 528 F.3d 135, 143 (2d Cir. 2008) (“[A]n alien must make some showing that authorities in his country of nationality are either aware of his activities or likely to become aware of his activities.”). The record 5 therefore supports the agency’s determination that Xu failed to carry his burden of proof for withholding of removal. Finally, because Xu has failed meaningfully to challenge the agency’s denial of CAT relief, we deem any such challenge waived. See Yueqing Zhang, 426 F.3d at 541 n.1, 545 n.7. For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is DISMISSED, in part, and DENIED, in part. As we have completed our review, any pending motion for a stay of removal in this petition is DISMISSED as moot. Any pending request for oral argument in this petition is DENIED in accordance with Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 34(a)(2), and Second Circuit Local Rule 34(b). FOR THE COURT: Catherine O’Hagan Wolfe, Clerk By:___________________________ 6