Opinion ID: 811876
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: Because a single member of the BIA entered a brief affirmance order under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e)(5), we review the BIA’s decision as the final order of removal and, therefore, we “will not affirm on grounds raised in the IJ decision unless they are relied upon by the BIA in its affirmance.” Uanreroro v. Gonzales, 443 F.3d 1197, 1204 (10th Cir. 2006). We “may consult the IJ’s opinion to the extent that the BIA relied upon or incorporated it.” Sarr v. Gonzales, 474 F.3d 783, 790 (10th Cir. 2007). In addition, “when seeking to understand the grounds provided by the BIA, we are not precluded from consulting the IJ’s more complete explanation of those same grounds.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). We review any questions of law de novo, and we look to see if the agency’s findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence. See Ritonga v. Holder, 633 F.3d 971, 974 (10th Cir. 2011). “[O]ur duty is to guarantee that factual - 12 - determinations are supported by reasonable, substantial and probative evidence considering the record as a whole.” Uanreroro, 443 F.3d at 1204 (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks omitted). “The agency’s findings of fact are conclusive unless the record demonstrates that any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary.” Ismaiel v. Mukasey, 516 F.3d 1198, 1204 (10th Cir. 2008) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(B). “Credibility determinations are factual findings . . . subject to the substantial evidence test.” Uanreroro, 443 F.3d at 1204. As such, “we will not question the immigration judge’s or BIA’s credibility determinations as long as they are substantially reasonable.” Woldemeskel v. I.N.S., 257 F.3d 1185, 1192 (10th Cir. 2001). Although we review a credibility determination with deference, the “IJ must provide specific, cogent reasons for not believing the petitioner.” Chaib v. Ashcroft, 397 F.3d 1273, 1278 (10th Cir. 2005).