Opinion ID: 2978540
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Changed Conditions in Mauritania

Text: Ndiaye also challenges the finding that conditions in Mauritania have changed fundamentally. Again, however, Ndiaye must overcome the “substantial evidence” test. Gilaj, 408 F.3d at 283 (citing Yu, 364 F.3d at 702). To qualify as a refugee, Ndiaye must show that he is unable or unwilling to return to Mauritania because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of his race or ethnicity. See 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42)(A) (2009). Based on the improved conditions in Mauritania, the IJ found that Ndiaye has no objectively reasonable fear of future persecution. To overturn this decision, the petitioner must demonstrate “that the evidence presented was so compelling that no reasonable fact finder could fail to find the requisite persecution or fear of persecution.” Ouda, 324 F.3d at 451. -6- No. 08-4345 Ndiaye v. Holder The IJ acknowledges continuing harassment and discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities in Mauritania. However, such actions do not rise to the level of persecution. The IJ states that a new government was established in 2005 by a bloodless coup. Further, fair and free elections have been conducted for the last couple of years. The IJ explains that many of those individuals deported to Senegal have voluntarily returned to Mauritania and reacquired some or all of their property. Further, the BIA took administrative notice that the Mauritanian government has taken steps to prepare for the repatriation of thousands of Afro-Mauritanians expelled during ethnic tensions and violence in 1989-91. The record does not support or compel a contrary conclusion regarding the improved conditions in Mauritania. The IJ and BIA provide specific and compelling reasoning for concluding that the conditions in Mauritania have improved and that Ndiaye cannot overcome the “substantial evidence” test. Based on the fundamental change in conditions in Mauritania, Ndiaye has no objectively reasonable fear of future persecution. Likewise, he has not demonstrated that he is a refugee.