Case Explained: ROSNA PIERRE V. TODD BLANCHE

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Filed: 2026-06-16 The Ninth Circuit denied Rosna Pierre’s petition for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ decision rejecting her applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The court held that substantial evidence supports the Agency’s adverse credibility determination, finding that inconsistencies between Pierre’s testimony and her sworn statement, combined with her demeanor during questioning, justified the finding. Furthermore, the court ruled that independent documentary evidence failed to demonstrate eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal, and even assuming credibility, Pierre’s proposed particular social groups were not cognizable or distinct within Haitian society, nor was she targeted due to membership in such groups but rather due to personal jealousy from a former partner. The court also affirmed the Agency’s conclusion that Pierre could reasonably relocate within Haiti and found no error in denying CAT relief because Pierre failed to meet the “more likely than not” standard for future torture through independent evidence. As a practical consequence, the petition is denied, and the motion for a stay of removal is also denied, leaving the order of removal in effect. Do It For The Case Law is a news reporting service. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice.