Court Opinion

ID: 8461639
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-11-05 07:03:28.692652+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:49:09.709272
License: Public Domain

SUMMARY ORDER

Petitioner Jose Amoldo Guzman-Cubi-as, a native and citizen of El Salvador, seeks review of a June 26, 2008 order of the BIA affirming the November 6, 2006 decision of Immigration Judge (“IJ”) Michael W. Straus denying Guzman-Cubias’s applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). In re Jose Arnoldo Guzman-Cubias, No. A99 524 398 (B.I.A. Jun. 26, 2008), aff'g No. A99 524 398 (Immig. Ct. Hartford, Nov. 6, 2006). We assume the parties’ familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history of the case.
When the BIA issues an opinion that fully adopts the IJ’s decision, we review the IJ’s decision. See Mei Chai Ye v. U.S. Dep’t of Justice, 489 F.3d 517, 523 (2d Cir.2007). We review the agency’s factual findings under the substantial evidence standard. 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(B); see also Corovic v. Mukasey, 519 F.3d 90, 95 (2d Cir.2008). We review de novo questions of law and the application of law to undisputed fact. See, e.g., Salimatou Bah v. Mukasey, 529 F.3d 99, 110 (2d Cir.2008).
*44As an initial matter, because Guzman-Cubias did not challenge the IJ’s denial of his CAT claim either before the BIA or this Court, we deem any such argument abandoned. See Gui Yin Liu v. INS, 508 F.3d 716, 723 n. 6 (2d Cir.2007).
We find no error in the agency’s denial of Guzman-Cubias’s claims for asylum and withholding of removal. Guzman-Cubias has not shown that those who resist gang recruitment in El Salvador (or any of the other variations on this group that he offers) constitute a “particular social group” for purposes of asylum and withholding of removal. See 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101(a)(42), 1231(b)(3).
“[MJembership in a purported social group requires a certain level of ‘social visibility.’ ” Ucelo-Gomez v. Mukasey, 509 F.3d 70, 73 (2d Cir.2007). Guzman-Cubias’s claims fail this test because he has not demonstrated that members of his purported group “possess some fundamental characteristic in common which serves to distinguish them in the eyes of a persecutor — or in the eyes of the outside world in general.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted); see also In re S-E-G-, 24 I. & N. Dec. 579, 586-88 (B.I.A.2008) (concluding that Salvadoran youths who resist gang recruitment are not a cognizable social group because they do not share recognizable and discrete attributes). Although he relies on his lack of tattoos and other gang symbols, Guzman-Cubias has not shown that he and others without such symbols are perceived by gang members or others in El Salvador as a discrete group. Thus, the IJ did not err in denying asylum and withholding of removal.
For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is DENIED. As we have completed our review, any stay of removal that tile Court previously granted in this petition is VACATED, and any pending motion for a stay of removal in this petition is DISMISSED as moot. Any pending request for oral argument in this petition is DENIED in accordance with Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 34(a)(2), and Second Circuit Local Rule 34(b).