Opinion ID: 726368
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mandatory Withholding of Deportation

Text: 29 Section 243(h) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1253(h), requires the Attorney General, subject to certain exceptions not relevant here, to withhold deportation if the Attorney General determines that such alien's life or freedom would be threatened ... on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. An alien is statutorily eligible for such relief if he or she demonstrates a clear probability of persecution. Ghaly, 58 F.3d at 1429. This standard is more stringent than the well-founded fear standard applicable to requests for asylum, and it can be met only by showing that it is more likely than not that the alien will be persecuted if deported. Id. Therefore, failure to satisfy the lesser standard of proof required to establish eligibility for asylum necessarily results in a failure to demonstrate eligibility for withholding of deportation as well. The decision to deny withholding of deportation is reviewed for substantial evidence. Ghaly, 58 F.3d at 1429. 30 Having decided that Maradiaga failed to establish a well-founded fear of persecution, we also hold that he cannot meet the higher burden of establishing a clear probability of persecution. Cuadras v. INS, 910 F.2d 567, 572 (9th Cir.1990). Therefore, we uphold the Board's denial of mandatory withholding of deportation.