Case Explained: SAN LIN V. TODD BLANCHE

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Filed: 2026-06-24 The Ninth Circuit denied San Lin’s petition for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ decision dismissing his appeal of an Immigration Judge’s order denying his applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The court applied the substantial evidence standard of review, upholding the agency’s determination unless the evidence compelled a contrary conclusion. Regarding past persecution, the court found substantial evidence supported the IJ’s finding that Lin did not suffer harm rising to the level of persecution, noting he was hit once on the arm, slapped two or three times, and forced to sign a pledge, but required no medical attention for these injuries. Regarding future persecution, the court held that Lin’s eleven years of residence in Burma without further incidents supported the conclusion that he did not establish a well-founded fear of future persecution; consequently, his claims for asylum and the more stringent withholding of removal failed. Finally, the court found substantial evidence supported the denial of CAT protection because the record did not compel the conclusion that it was more likely than not Lin would be tortured by or with the acquiescence of the Burmese government if removed. As a practical consequence, the petition is denied and Lin’s motion to stay removal is dismissed as moot. Do It For The Case Law is a news reporting service. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice.