Case Explained: LI, ET AL. V. BLANCHE

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Filed: 2026-07-08

The Ninth Circuit denied the petition for review filed by Xiao Ling Li and Wen Xing Chen, natives and citizens of China, challenging an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals that affirmed an immigration judge’s denial of asylum and withholding of removal. The court applied the substantial evidence standard of review under 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(B), which mandates that factual findings by the agency be conclusive unless any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude otherwise. The court held that substantial evidence supported the agency’s adverse credibility determination, noting that Li admitted to providing false information on a 2015 U.S. tourist visa application while not living in fear of the Chinese government. Under Ninth Circuit precedent, the agency was permitted to infer deception in the current proceedings based on these prior deliberate lies. Furthermore, the court affirmed the Board’s rejection of a revised translation of Li’s bail receipt because Li failed to explain why this evidence was not previously available under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(1). The court also ruled that because Li’s testimony was found not credible, she was not entitled to notice or an opportunity to provide corroborating evidence for her claims. Lacking credible testimony or independent documentary support, the agency’s denial of relief was upheld. Consequently, the petition for review is denied and the motion to stay removal is denied.

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