Opinion ID: 2976342
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: INA Withholding of Removal Claim

Text: In order to be granted withholding of removal pursuant to the INA, an applicant must prove “that his or her life or freedom would be threatened in the proposed country of removal on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.” 8 C.F.R. § 208.16(b). An applicant for withholding of removal “must establish that there is a clear probability that he will be subject to persecution if forced to return to the country of removal.” Pilica v. Ashcroft, 388 F.3d 941, 951 (6th Cir. 2004) (citing INS v. Stevic, 467 U.S. 407, 413 (1984)). This burden is greater than the burden required to establish eligibility for asylum. Singh v. Ashcroft, 398 F.3d 396, 401 (6th Cir. 2005). Because Gojani was unable to establish that he was eligible for asylum, the immigration judge’s denial of withholding of removal under the INA is supported by substantial evidence. 8 No. 06-3951