Opinion ID: 740712
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Thoroughness of the BIA's Reasoning

Text: 23 The BIA is required to render a reasoned decision. Mejia-Carillo, 656 F.2d at 522. The requirement of articulated findings by the BIA serves two purposes. First, it ensures that each alien receives consideration of the circumstances unique to his or her case. Second, it provides the reviewing court with a record from which it can determine whether the BIA properly exercised its discretion. Sullivan, 772 F.2d at 610. 24 The BIA's written consideration of the enunciated factors in the present case is in some respects succinct and not tremendously detailed, but this does not here, however, merit reversal. The BIA does explain its conclusions with an individualized discussion of the merits of Palafox's case, and brevity does not necessarily invalidate a decision. The thoroughness of the BIA's findings and reasoning need be only as thorough as the arguments and the evidence presented to it. Although we require the Board to state its reasons and properly consider all factors, the preciseness we require of the Board depends upon the preciseness of the proof offered by the petitioner. Shooshtary, 39 F.3d at 1051. 25 Palafox's evidence of family hardship presented to the BIA, as to this court on appeal, consists largely of general statements about the closeness of the family and the likely emotional suffering. Where primarily generalities are offered, as here, a more summary response by the Board is appropriate. Id. The burden of proof lies not with the IJ or the BIA, after all, but with the petitioner seeking suspension of deportation, and the role of the reviewing court is a limited one. The application of the 'extreme hardship' requirement is committed to the [Board] and will not be overturned simply because we might prefer another interpretation of the statute. Hassan, 927 F.2d at 468 (quoting Alvarez-Madrigal v. INS, 808 F.2d 705, 707 (9th Cir.1987)).