En Banc CA1 Credibility Remand: Diaz Ortiz v. Garland

Diaz Ortiz v. Garland

"Cristian Josue Diaz Ortiz, a native of El Salvador, seeks review of a decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals ("BIA") affirming the denial of his claims for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture ("CAT"). The Immigration Judge's ("IJ") rejection of Diaz Ortiz's petition for relief rested on an adverse credibility determination that primarily drew its support from a "Gang Assessment Database." Flaws in that database, including its reliance on an erratic point system built on unsubstantiated inferences, compel us to conclude that the credibility judgment -- and, in turn, the rejection of Diaz Ortiz's request for relief -- is not supported by substantial evidence. Accordingly, we grant the petition for review and remand for new immigration proceedings."

[Hats way off to Kristin Beale, Ph.D., Ellen Scordino and Sameer Ahmed!]