Hernandez v. Mukasey

261 F. App'x 985

Opinion

MEMORANDUM

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Fidel Hernandez, a native and citizen of Mexico, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (“BIA”) order dismissing his appeal from an Immigration Judge’s (“IJ”) decision denying his motion for issuance of a subpoena in a removal case. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1252. We review for abuse of discretion an IJ’s decision not to issue a subpoena for the production of a witness. See Kaur v. INS, 237 F.3d 1098, 1099 (9th Cir.2001). We review de novo claims of constitutional violations in immigration proceedings. See Ram v. INS, 243 F.3d 510, 516 (9th Cir.2001). We deny the petition for review.

The IJ did not abuse his discretion in denying Hernandez’s request to subpoena his U.S. citizen daughter Fidelina’s doctor to testify, because Hernandez failed to demonstrate that the doctor’s testimony was essential. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.35(b)(3) (IJ shall issue a subpoena upon being satisfied that the witness’ evidence is essential). The BIA properly concluded that Hernandez failed to demonstrate that he was prejudiced by the IJ’s refusal to issue the subpoena. See Colmenar v. INS, 210 F.3d 967, 971 (9th Cir.2000) (requiring prejudice to prevail on a due process challenge).

PETITION FOR REVIEW DENIED.

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.