Opinion ID: 2972945
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: “Credibility determinations are considered findings of fact, and are reviewed under the substantial evidence standard.” Sylla v. INS, 388 F.3d 924, 925 (6th Cir. 2004) (citing Yu v. Ashcroft, 364 F.3d 700, 703 (6th Cir. 2004)). This Court will afford substantial deference to an IJ’s adverse credibility determination. However, “the finding must be supported by specific reasons.” Id. (citing Daneshvar v. Ashcroft, 355 F.3d 615, 623 n.7 (6th Cir. 2004); Gao v. Ashcroft, 299 F.3d 266, 276 (3d Cir. 2002)). “[M]inor and irrelevant inconsistencies cannot constitute the basis for an adverse credibility determination.” Sylla, 388 F.3d at 926. Rather, “[a]n adverse credibility finding must be based on issues that go to the heart of the applicant's claim.” Id. In sum, this Court may reverse the IJ’s credibility determination only if “any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary.” 8 U.S.C. § 1254(b)(4)(B). See also Yu, 364 F.3d 703.