Background
Vadim Bondarev, a native and citizen of Russia, sought asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. The Immigration Judge denied the application, and the Board of Immigration Appeals affirmed. Bondarev petitioned for review, challenging only the denial of asylum and withholding of removal.
The court’s reasoning
The court held that Bondarev failed to demonstrate that the evidence compels a conclusion contrary to the agency’s determination regarding the nexus between his political opinion and the harm suffered. The court also found he did not demonstrate a realistic possibility that the Board would have found error in his former counsel’s citation errors.
What it means going forward
The denial of asylum and withholding of removal stands, and the petitioner remains subject to removal.