George Aldeeb, Petitioner, v. Immigration and Naturalization Service, Respondent, 122 F.3d 1069 (9th Cir. 1997)

MEMORANDUM^* 

George Aldeeb, a native of Lebanon and citizen of Syria, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals' ("BIA") dismissal of his appeal of the immigration judge's ("IJ") order denying his applications for asylum and withholding of deportation under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1158(a) and 1253(h). We have jurisdiction pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1105a(a), and we deny the petition.

Aldeeb contends that substantial evidence does not support the BIA's determination that he failed to establish a well-founded fear of future persecution on account of his religion. We disagree.

To be eligible for asylum, the applicant must demonstrate that he has suffered past persecution, or has an objectively reasonable fear of future persecution, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. See 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a) (42) (A). Where, as here, the BIA reviewed the IJ's decision de novo and independently exercised its discretion, our review is limited to the BIA's decision. See Ghaly v. INS, 58 F.3d 1425, 1430 (9th Cir. 1995).¹ 

While Aldeeb testified regarding attacks upon him by Syrian Intelligence, he failed to offer any direct or circumstantial evidence that the attacks were motivated by his religion. See Sangha v. INS, 103 F.3d 1482, 1490-91 (9th Cir. 1997). Accordingly, we conclude that the BIA's decision was supported by substantial evidence. See Gutierrez-Centeno v. INS, 99 F.3d 1529, 1531 (9th Cir. 1996).

PETITION FOR REVIEW DENIED.