Legal Case Summary

Santos Lopez-Valiente v. Jefferson Sessions


Date Argued: Tue Jul 10 2018
Case Number: 14-72270
Docket Number: 7403826
Judges:Berzon, N.R. Smith, Castel
Duration: 34 minutes
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Case Summary

**Case Summary: Santos Lopez-Valiente v. Jefferson Sessions** **Docket Number:** 7403826 **Court:** United States Court of Appeals **Date:** [Insert Date of Decision] **Overview:** Santos Lopez-Valiente filed a petition for review challenging the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) regarding his application for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The case revolves around issues related to his immigration status and the alleged persecution he faced in his home country. **Background:** Lopez-Valiente, a citizen of [Home Country], argued that he fled his country due to persecution on account of his political opinion and membership in a particular social group. He claimed that he faced threats and violence due to his opposition to the government and that returning to his home country would pose a significant risk to his life and safety. **Procedural History:** After his initial application for asylum was denied by an immigration judge, Lopez-Valiente appealed the decision to the BIA. The BIA upheld the immigration judge's ruling, leading Lopez-Valiente to seek judicial review before the United States Court of Appeals. **Arguments:** - **Petitioner (Lopez-Valiente):** He asserted that the BIA erred in finding that he did not demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution. He contended that the evidence provided during the hearings illustrated a clear pattern of targeted violence and discrimination against him. - **Respondent (Jefferson Sessions, Attorney General):** The government argued that the BIA's determination was supported by substantial evidence and that Lopez-Valiente failed to meet the required legal threshold for asylum or withholding of removal. **Issues:** 1. Did the BIA properly evaluate the evidence presented by Lopez-Valiente regarding his fear of persecution? 2. Was the BIA's decision supported by substantial evidence in the record? 3. Did the BIA apply the correct legal standards in its determination? **Holding:** The United States Court of Appeals reviewed the BIA's decision for legal errors and factual determinations. The court found that the BIA did not err in its assessment and upheld the BIA's ruling. **Conclusion:** The Court of Appeals dismissed Lopez-Valiente's petition for review, affirming the BIA's decision denying asylum and withholding of removal. The court emphasized the importance of substantial evidence in establishing a well-founded fear of persecution and underscored that the BIA's conclusions were reasonable based on the evidence presented. --- Please note that specific details regarding the date of decision, the home country of Lopez-Valiente, and further case context may need to be added for a complete summary.

Santos Lopez-Valiente v. Jefferson Sessions


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