Opinion ID: 2977751
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Reasonable Possibility

Text: Based on the evidence in the record, we cannot overturn the BIA’s decision to deny Sempagala’s asylum claim. First, Sempagala’s testimony that his primary reason for being in the United States is economic severely undercuts his claim that he fears persecution. Second, Sempagala has not provided any “testimonial or documentary evidence,” and admitted that he has no such proof, that anyone in Uganda is aware of his bisexuality or past bisexual conduct. Matter of Mogharrabi, 19 I&N Dec. 439, 446-47 (BIA 1987) (noting the well-founded-fear standard for asylum requires that an alien’s facts show a persecutor who is aware or could become aware that the alien possesses one of the enumerated characteristics); see also Pilica v. Ashcroft, 388 F.3d 941, 955 (6th Cir. 2004); Perkovic v. INS, 33 F.3d 615, 621 (6th Cir. 1994). Even as to whether or not his wife knows he is bisexual, Sempagala provides no explanation at all addressing his failure to corroborate his testimony by having her testify. See Dorosh v. Ashcroft, 398 F.3d 379, 382 (6th Cir. 2004) (stating that “‘where it is reasonable to expect corroborating evidence for certain alleged facts pertaining to the specifics of an applicant’s claim, such evidence should be provided . . . . The absence of such corroborating evidence can lead to a finding that an applicant has failed to meet her burden of proof’”) (quoting In re S-M-J, Page 6 of 8 No. 08-3695 Sempagala v. Holder 21 I.&N. Dec. 722, 724-26 (BIA 1997)). Further, Sempagala’s stated fear that in the course of his attorney’s investigation news of his bisexuality was leaked is based purely on supposition. Not only is there an absence of evidence that people are aware of Sempagala’s bisexuality, there is also an absence of evidence that people could become aware. Sempagala was able to conceal from both the government and his family his same-sex relationship from 1995 until 1999. This relationship ended nearly ten years ago, and as Sempagala concedes, he has no fear he will be forced back into it if he returns to Uganda. He is also currently married to a woman and has not engaged in a same-sex relationship since he left Uganda in 1999. Based on the evidence presented in the record, Sempagala has failed to demonstrate how anyone could become aware of his bisexuality. Finally, there is not the slightest shred of evidence in the record that anyone has an interest in targeting Sempagala for persecution.