Demeanor & Adverse Credibility

29 I&N Dec. 732 (BIA 2026) · 2026

An IJ may not determine that a respondent is credible solely because the respondent was candid in admitting he previously lied to obtain immigration benefits.

Candor about prior deception is not a substitute for overall credibility. An IJ must assess the totality of the circumstances and may not bootstrap a credibility finding from an admission of past fraud.