Opinion ID: 218954
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: BIA on Remand

Text: On remand, the BIA again reversed the decision of IJ Durling granting Yusupov withholding of removal and finding that Yusupov was not a danger to the security of the United States. In so doing, the BIA engaged in de novo review because it concluded that such a determination concerns an issue of fact and law. In re Yusupov, No. A 79-729-905, at 2 (BIA Dec. June 18, 2009) (citing 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(3)(ii) and Matter of V-K-, 24 I. & N. Dec. 500 (BIA 2008)). Although the BIA found no clear error in the [IJ]'s credibility determination regarding [Yusupov's] explanations of the reasons for downloading files on his computer, or the potential that the Uzbek extradition request and INTERPOL warrant are politically motivated, it nonetheless determined that [t]here is considerable evidence to support the [Government's] claim that there are reasonable grounds to believe that [Yusupov] presents an actual danger to national security. Id. at 2-3. The BIA relied on the following evidence to support its determination: (1) the extradition request; (2) the Interpol warrant; (3) cached video clips found on the shared computer; (4) the email sent to Zakirov, a sometime roommate of Petitioners, referring to his role in a big jihad; (5) a publicly available Pennsylvania Police facilities map from the shared computer; (6) entry by Yusupov, Samadov, and their roommate Zakirov to the United States on student visas, none of whom attended school for any length of time; (7) Yusupov's 2003 misdemeanor conviction for representing himself as a United States citizen on a job application; and (8) Yusupov's attempt to evade detention upon learning that the federal government sought to apprehend his roommates and his initial failure to provide his residence to investigators. Id. The BIA, however, upheld the IJ's decision granting Yusupov CAT deferral, finding it is more likely than not that he would be tortured if returned. One member of the BIA panel dissented in a brief footnote, stating: On further reflection, Board Member Filppu finds the favorable credibility assessement [sic] below significant, and thus respectfully dissents. The Immigration Judge was not clearly erroneous in crediting [Yusupov's] innocent explanations for what would otherwise be reasonable concerns respecting his danger to the United States. Accepting those explanations as true, in the context of this case, supports the ruling below, and [the Government's] appeal should be dismissed. Id. at 5.
On remand, the BIA again upheld the 2005 decision of IJ Sease denying Samadov withholding of removal as a danger to the security of the United States. In so doing, the BIA upheld the IJ's adverse credibility determination and found that [t]here is considerable evidence to support the [Government's] claims that there are reasonable grounds to believe that [Samadov] presents an actual danger to national security. In re Samadov, No. A 79-729-711, at 2 (BIA Dec. June 18, 2009). The BIA relied on the following evidence similar to that it considered in connection with Yusupov's appeal to support its determination: (1) the extradition request; (2) the Interpol warrant; (3) the video files; (4) the jihad email; [9] (5) the Pennsylvania Police facilities map; (6) entry by Samadov and Zakirov to the United States on student visas, neither of whom attended school for any length of time; (7) the attempt to evade detention by Samadov's former roommates, Yusupov and Zakirov; and (8) Samadov's conflicting testimony regarding whether he had given and received thousands of dollars from groups or individuals in Central Asia. Id. at 2-3. The BIA here too upheld the IJ's decision granting Samadov CAT deferral because it is more likely than not he would be tortured if returned to Uzbekistan. Yusupov and Samadov timely appeal.